Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has openly praised Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal while also admitting that relations between the two Spanish giants are “completely broken.”
Perez made the comments while speaking to Spanish television show El Chiringuito on Wednesday night. The exchange quickly went viral after football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared the quotes on social media.
When asked whether he likes Yamal as a player, Perez gave a direct response.
“Of course I like him!” the Real Madrid president said with a smile.
The conversation then shifted toward the possibility of signing the teenage sensation in the future. Perez laughed at the suggestion before making a strong statement about Real Madrid’s current relationship with Barcelona.
“Relationship with Barcelona is completely broken,” he added.
Yamal has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in world football over the last year. The 18-year-old winger has already become a key player for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. His performances have attracted praise from across Europe, including from figures connected with rival clubs.
Perez’s comments are unlikely to fuel serious transfer speculation, but they once again show the admiration Yamal is receiving at the highest level of the game. Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to share one of football’s fiercest rivalries, both on and off the pitch.