"We were playing pranks with our friends at school at Lamine's age"

Just hours before the last 16 of Euro 2024 against Georgia, Nacho Fernandez said at the training hotel in Cologne (Germany) that Spain are dreaming "big", with the hope of winning the title and, in his case, closing his career "in Europe in the best possible way".
"Last year we won the Nations League, it was a very emotional moment. It was the first title I won with the national team and it was very special, but this is a European Championship. It makes your hair stand on end and we are on the road, although we know it is very difficult," he told the Federation's media.
"We're entering the final and most dangerous phase too, but we're dreaming, we're thinking big. Hopefully we can reach the final and win it, so that I can finish my career in Europe in the best possible way," he added.
Nacho highlighted the atmosphere within the training camp and the good mix that has been created in the Spanish national team between veteran and young players.
"This group has a very good dynamic of many victories. It's a group of young people and veterans, a very good atmosphere has been created and that mix of talent has made everything easier between players who are emerging and others who have won many titles. It's an exciting mix, a fantastic group. The atmosphere is incredible and we are very confident of doing well at this European Championship," he said.
Among the youngsters, Lamine Yamal, who has not yet turned 17 and has become an undisputed starter, stands out in particular. "He is a special case at the age of 16. We've talked about it among ourselves, because at that age we were playing pranks with our friends at school. He is living a dream, but he has spectacular abilities and talent. He's a good kid, he's fitted in very well with the group and players are measured by what we do on the pitch and Lamine does extraordinary things".