Rodri Hernandez explains advice to Lamine Yamal after Euro 2024 final | OneFootball

Spain star Rodri Hernandez has declared that he is well over his cruciate ligament injury a little under a year from its occurrence. It gives manager Luis de la Fuente a decision to make for their upcoming clash against Turkiye on Sunday night.

La Roja kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia. Rodri came on in the 62nd minute to replace Martin Zubimendi, and is in contention for a starting spot against Turkiye on Sunday evening. He made his first Spain appearance since the injury on Thursday.

Rodri Hernandez explains Lamine Yamal advice

The media also asked him about his advice for Lamine Yamal following the Euro 2024 final win over England. The cameras picked up on Rodri speaking to the then 16-year-old saying “Keep working brother… Keep working because you can achieve whatever you want.”

“I didn’t want to be caught on camera,” he told Diario AS ahead of Spain’s clash with Turkiye.

“It’s sort of a reflection of the fact that they have to put their tremendous talent at the service of the team and football. We’ve seen many such cases get lost along the way. Lamine is an immense talent and an exceptional case. I see him happy and doing things well.”

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‘I’m absolutely over my injury’ – Rodri Hernandez

The Manchester City midfielder returned to action in June at the Club World Cup, but suffered a muscle problem ruling him out until late August again. Rodri was very much optimistic going forward though.

“Absolutely [I’m over it]. When you have an injury of this magnitude, what a player wants is to turn the page as soon as possible and dedicate himself to what he loves. I still have a long way to go. It’s a natural thing, it will come with time. I’m eager to compete and feel good, which is the most difficult part. But if a year has passed and your body isn’t bothering you, that’s the most important thing.”

Rodri’s Ballon d’Or recommendation

The reigning Ballon d’Or champion was also asked whom he would vote for this year, having beaten out Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to the award last season.

“The Ballon d’Or is difficult. PSG has been the team of the season, and it would be hard not to give it to someone from that team. I’m happy for Luis Enrique. I’d like to see Lamine or Pedri win it for my affinity with them, but on sporting merit, Dembele or Vitinha.”