At the age of 26, Yerry Mina wore the jersey of great teams such as Santa Fe, Palmeiras, Barcelona and Everton. With his presence in England, the Guachené, Cauca, born defender has become a key piece for Carlo Ancelotti, both on defense and offense, his great size and ability to clear the ball have enabled him to take decisive action. are in clubs and on the national team, making him a world famous player.
Taking advantage of his good individual moment at the service of the toffee, the defender spoke to British medium Talk Sports and recalled his football career, talking about his beginnings, his time in Barcelona, the Colombian national team, Everton and his friend and colleague, James Rodriguez.
the beginning
“Going back to the beginning for me, at home, in Colombia, when I was a kid, it was hard to train. We had to walk, take a bus or climb into the back of a truck with a trailer behind it that could transport sand or anything without the driver knowing“.
“It was difficult. Things were difficult. But what I always say is that those tough times really made me strong, and that’s something that I can be proud of and happy about today. I think what I did and how I spent those moments, like many Colombian footballers, inspires us. “
“Not a day goes by that I don’t wake up thinking about my family and the sacrifices they have made to help me become a professional footballer. When I think about that family, that’s an extra level of inspiration that you draw from those tough times, ”he said.
Barcelona
“It was a great moment and made history as the first Colombian to play for Barcelona. Football, like life, gives you many ups and downs. It was a great success when I signed for Barcelona. But for some reason it didn’t work out. I didn’t get the game time I needed. “
Your faith helps you in those trying times. I was very sorry that I didn’t get the chance to prove myself and play that often. So look for ways to never give up, persevere, train hard, and push yourself. Sometimes there is no clear explanation of why things don’t work, they just don’t work. “
“You get to a point where you want to play regularly and you are looking for a way out. Luckily Everton gave me the opportunity to do it and now I’m really focused and positive. ” exactly.
Colombia National Team – World Cup 2018 Russia
“It was a great tournament for me (World Cup Russia 2018). That spirit of never giving up really took effect in that tournament, I didn’t start the first game but in a way it pushed and inspired me even more to show my inner strength. So when I entered the second game and the rest of the tournament, I had the opportunity to prove myself. “
“It was a very emotional game against England. I think we showed in that tournament and in that game that we had players who could make a difference. Players like Cuadrado and others, he was a great team. “
“I came to Everton and didn’t know any English but my agent taught me a phrase to say to Jordan Pickford maybe to fix things when we met. It was, ‘Hey Jordan, we’re together now!’ So it was a nice moment when I met Jordan, he recognized it. I am glad that I can now share a dressing room with him, instead of being his opponent. “
Everton – James Rodriguez
“(Everton) We are working hard to achieve the same goals together as a group and team. Every week and every day we grow to understand each other better and that is very important. We are really focused on what the coach wants us to do. In my case, it’s all about doing my bit for a good cause, and luckily things seem to be going very well for now”.
“It’s great that James is here with us now. I knew him before and now he has become a brother of mine, both on and off the field, personally and with my game.. He’s a superior guy. We are very happy. Happier than ever. Here is a great family and we are very close ”, he concluded.