"I'm representing my country and I won't let you out of my sight" - Moroccan star reveals what he told Cristiano Ronaldo in WC 2022 Q/F
Morocco star defender Jawad El Yamiq opened up about facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 32-year-old defender and his team eliminated the Portuguese squad and prevented the superstar striker from having a shot at winning the World Cup.
In an interview with Al-Riyadiah, Jawad El Yamiq revealed his conversation with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner ahead of the game. He told him that he was his idol, but he would do everything to stop him and help Morocco advance to the semi-finals.
El Yamiq said:
"I remember that Morocco faced and eliminated Portugal in the 'quarter-finals' of the World Cup. At one point when the game stopped, I approached him and put my hand on his shoulder," the 32-year-old defender said, via Noticiasa O Minuto.
"I said to him 'I love you and I am one of your biggest fans. I always dreamed of seeing you live or playing against you, but now I am representing my country and I will not lose sight of you'. He replied with a slight smile and gave me to understand that he liked what I told him," he added.
Morocco eventually managed to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal scoreless and claimed the 1-0 victory to move to the semi-finals. They lost in the semis against France.
Jawad El Yamiq calls Cristiano Ronaldo the best foreign player in Saudi Pro League
Jawad El Yamiq and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been playing in the Saudi Pro League. El Yamiq is playing for Al-Wehda, while the latter for Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo's arrival last season helped the Saudi Pro League expand and attract more football stars, like Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema. Still, the 32-year-old defender believes that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the best foreign player in the championship.
"Best foreigners? Cristiano Ronaldo is at the top of the list. He is a great point of light in the championship for his effort, skill. He stands out for his great will to give and win. He has been my idol since I was a child and I often dreamed of being with him, until the dream came true at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. We talked for 40 seconds," he said in the interview with Al-Riyadiah.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing great for Al-Nassr this season with 36 goals and 12 assists in 37 games across all competitions.