Rival Boss Apologises For Picking Yamal To…

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Espanyol sporting director Monchi has released an apology for picking Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or after backlash from the supporters.

The debate for the Ballon d’Or continues rage on, with the winner set to be announced on Monday, 26 October in London.

Read: ‘The Ballon d’Or Belongs To Messi’ – Brazil Icon

Monchi caused a bit of stir with the Espanyol fans as he picked Yamal to win the award, despite the rivalvary with cross-town foes Barcelona.

However, the Sporting director acknowledged his mistake but explained his reasoning for choosing Yamal.

“I was asked [to pick] between [Kylian] Mbappé, the French option, Harry Kane, the English option, and Lamine Yamal, the Spanish option,” Monchi told Cadena Ser.

“I went for the Spanish option. It’s generated a little bit of controversy among our fans, so if anyone was annoyed, I apologise.

“I supported the candidate from Spain, but as a Perico [someone connected to Espanyol] I should have said any other player,” Monchi added.

“I know what it means to be a Perico — I have felt that sentiment since day one. I said Lamine Yamal looking at it from a Spanish point of view.”

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