Amunike: “This Barça’s journey this started with Xavi in times of financial dire straits”

Emmanuel Amunike joined Bobby Robson’s Barça in the 90’s and played alongside Ronaldo for the club. The former African star didn’t succeed at the club, but is a legend of Nigerian football and was a crucial part of the remembered Green Eagles team that made their first appearance in a World Cup in 1994 and won the African Cup of Nations that same year, as well as the gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. In a recent interview with Flashscore, Amunike discussed his playing days and also Barça’s current team.

The 1994 African footballer of the year believes Xavi should get more respect from the fans for his years as Barça’s head coach than he’s currently getting, “We should not forget to thank Xavi, too. In football, people forget very easily, but this journey started with Xavi in times of financial dire straits, and it was him, with the backing of the club, who had the ability to bring those young players to the team”, as he continues, “. If Xavi hadn’t had the guts to bring him in, nobody would know Lamine Yamal“.

About Barça’s new star, Amunike speaks his mind about further, “of course, when you have talented players like that and you can see what they do day in, day out, week in, week out, I think it’s worth it to encourage young players that, even at 17, can be so amazing”, before concluding, “The things Lamine Yamal does with and without the ball are amazing. I think he’s a very, a good example for the young generations that are coming, as he shows that if you are good and you work very hard, you can always be what you want to be. So, I think it’s a pleasure watching the young guy, playing and making his people happy, making himself happy and adding value to football.”

Both Barcelona and the world of football have changed a lot since Amunike’s playing days. “A lot has changed. A lot of clubs have changed entirely, and not only about football, we’re talking about marketing, about the business aspects, merchandising… A lot has changed and will continue to change, as clubs strive to grow and adapt to the demands of their fans. There are a lot more games now, and players don’t have time to rest, so clubs and institutions will also have to adjust to help their players be in the best condition possible to do their jobs.”