At 26, Yerry Mina has worn the shirts of great teams such as Santa Fe, Palmeiras, Barcelona and Everton. Present in England, the Guachené-born defender, Cauca, has become a key piece for Carlo Ancelotti in both defense and attack, his great size and ability to get the ball, have allowed him to be decisive in clubs and in the National Team, which makes him a world-renowned player.
Taking advantage of his good individual moment in the service of the toffees, the defender spoke with the British media Talk Sports and recalled his career in football, talked about his beginnings, his time in Barcelona, the Selección Colombia , Everton and his friend and colleague, James Rodriguez.
inicis
“Going back to the beginnings for me, to my home, to Colombia, when I was a kid, getting to train was hard. We had to walk, catch a bus or get in the back of a truck with a trailer in the back that could carry sand or all sorts of things, without the driver knowing.“.
“It was difficult. Things were difficult. But what I always say is that those difficult times made me really strong, and it’s something 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 and think about my family and the sacrifices they made to try to help me become a professional footballer. When I think of this family, it’s an extra level of inspiration that you draw from these difficult times, ”he said.
Barcelona
“It was a great moment, making 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 one reason or another, things didn’t go well. I didn’t get the playing time I needed. “
“Your faith helps you in these difficult times. I was very sorry not to have had the opportunity to prove my worth and play so often. So look for ways to never give up, to persevere, to train hard and to strive. Sometimes there is no clear explanation for why things don’t work, they just don’t work. “
“You get to a point where you want to play regularly and look for a way out. Fortunately, Everton gave me the opportunity to do that and now I’m really focused and positive. ” specify.
Selection Colombia – World Cup Russia 2018
“It was a great tournament for me (World Cup Russia 2018). That spirit of never really giving up became effective in this tournament, I didn’t start the first game, but in a way it propelled me and inspired me even more to show my inner strength. So when I took part in the second game and the rest of the tournament, I had a chance to prove my worth. “
“It was a very emotional match against England. I think we showed in this tournament, and in this game, that we had players who could make a difference. Players like Cuadrado and others, it was a great squad.”
“I got to Everton and knew nothing of 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 little moment when I met Jordan, he recognized it. I am happy to share dressing room with him now, instead of being his opponent. “
Everton – James Rodriguez
“(Everton) We work hard to achieve the same goals together as a group and staff. Every week and every day, we are growing to understand each other better and that is really important. We are really focused on what the coach wants us to do. In my case, it’s about doing my bit for the cause and thankfully for now, things seem to be going really well”.
“It’s great that James is here with us right now. I met him before and now he has become a brother to me, both on and off the field, personally and with my game. He is a superior type. We are very, very happy. Happier than ever. Here is a big family and we are very close, “he concluded.