Brazil legend Romario: “Between Vinicius and Lamine Yamal, I’d choose…”

Brazil legend Romario has revisited his short but memorable spell at Barcelona .

The former striker reflected on multiple aspects of his career in a recent interview with Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas, from his time in Catalonia to his views on the current generation.

When asked to pick between two of the most exciting players in world football today, Romario certainly did not hesitate.

“Between Vinicius and Lamine Yamal , I’d choose Lamine,” he began.

Romario also took time to look back at his move to Barcelona in 1993, a transfer that came at a time when he was ready for a new challenge after his spell at PSV.

Explaining the circumstances around his decision, he remembered,

“I was already eager to leave PSV; I wanted new challenges. Then Barcelona came along, which, with all due respect to Madrid, is the best club in the world.

“I signed a three-year contract, but I barely played during the 1993–94 season, and in January 1995, I left.

“After the World Cup, I was really homesick for Brazil and wanted to go back,” he noted.

He then went into more detail about the issues that contributed to his early departure, particularly his relationship with Johan Cruyff.

“After the World Cup, I arrived 20 days late.

“I spoke with Cruyff and told him I wouldn’t be back on time, and he told me to come on that date and then return to Brazil after talking with the team.

“After that, I had some issues with the team.”

Romario predicts a great future for Lamine Yamal . (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Romario also spoke highly of Pep Guardiola, recalling his early days as a player and how he stood out even then.

“He was always a very intelligent player.

“I always saw him paying close attention to what Cruyff said and did, but I never would have imagined that he would become one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best.

“He was very professional; tactically, he was very important because all the balls went through him. He was very intelligent and very professional,” he added.

Turning his attention to the present, Romario shared his thoughts on the current Barcelona team under Hansi Flick, comparing them with previous legendary squads.

“After my generation, there were some great teams. The generation of Messi, Suarez, Neymar… and now this Barcelona team.

“Technically speaking, I don’t think it’s at the same level as Messi’s or mine, but it has three players who make a huge difference: Pedri, Yamal, and Raphinha.

“It’s a team that has everything it needs to secure big wins and win the Champions League.”

Finally, Romario expanded on why he rates Lamine Yamal so highly, placing him among the most exciting young players in world football.

Explaining his admiration, he said,

“I really like Yamal; he’s one of the most talented players in world soccer among this new generation of young players. I’m certain he can have an exceptional career.

“Mainly because he plays for a great club, his teammates respect him a lot, they know he can make a difference on the field, his technique sets him apart, and on top of that, he knows how to score goals,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo