Nayim: “I learned a lot at La Masía”

Nayim is a La Masia graduate who became a legend in Spanish football, although he didn’t succeed at Barça. He is most remembered for his years at Zaragoza and for that iconic goal against Arsenal, and David Seaman, in the Cup Champions Cup Final in 1995, which gave Zaragoza their most iconic trophy ever. In a recent interview with Flashscore, Nayim reminisces about some key moments of his career and talks about the 20th anniversary of that European accolade. He also speaks about his years at Barça and the current Flick team.

About La Masia, the former player explains, “I learned a lot at La Masía, both as a player and as a person. I learned how to behave with values through playing and through group life with my teammates. It was a wonderful time, but unfortunately, I seriously injured my knee, and it took me nine months to return. That cut short my Barça career, and I couldn’t stay. It remains a thorn in my side professionally, but I was lucky to have Terry Venables as a coach, who later allowed me to play for Tottenham, a major club in England. My career has been more than acceptable.

The former spur also talks about Barça’s success this season and its young squad, “the club invested in these young players and they have benefited incredibly”, and he continues, “it’s incredible to see these kids fighting with such professionalism, maturity, and extraordinary energy, and playing so well”. About the Cup final, Nayim gives his opinion, “the final was difficult, but they fought until the end. This team, so young yet so mature, proves that you have to believe”. The Zaragoza legend know well Barça’s youth system, “when you’ve played at La Masia, handling the ball well is part of your DNA. Plus, the coaches allowed them to give their all, and that paid off.”