ESPN FC’s Mark Ogden explains what England’s penalty shootout victory against Colombia means for both the team and the nation.
Colombia World Cup hero Yerry Mina says he has nothing to prove to Barcelona after starring at the World Cup.
Mina scored three goals in three appearances in Russia, including a stoppage-time equaliser against England on Tuesday as Colombia were eventually knocked out in the round of 16 on penalties.
However, his future at Barca hangs in the balance with the club open to offers this summer and an agreement reportedly in place to sign Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet.
“I don’t need to prove anything to anyone,” Mina told reporters.
Mina, 23, joined Barca from Brazilian side Palmeiras in January for €12 million but has made just six appearances as the club’s fourth-choice centre-back.
He was widely criticised by supporters and media for his performance in the Catalan club’s 5-4 loss to Levante in their penultimate game — their only loss in La Liga last term.
The expected arrival of Lenglet will only push him further down the pecking order, while a deal to sign Gremio’s Arthur Melo would also leave Barca needing to free up a non-EU place in their squad.
Yerry Mina scored three goals for Colombia at the World Cup finals.
Mina, though, has always insisted that he wants to succeed at the Camp Nou and reiterated that his plan is to return to the La Liga champions following Colombia’s World Cup elimination.
He added: “In my head right now, I am thinking about returning to Barca. Now’s not the moment to talk about my future, but the World Cup has helped me rediscover myself and reaffirm myself as a footballer.
“God gave me my talent. What I need is to always play to the best of my ability and enjoy my football. After that, I’m always calm and I trust God.”
Mundo Deportivo reports that Barca would prefer to loan Mina out for a season rather than sell him, despite the fact his price will have gone up following his displays in Russia.
Premier League side Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for the centre-back.
Be the first to comment