FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo demanded that his former club acquires a replacement for Robert … [+]
FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo demanded that his former club finds a replacement for Robert Lewandowski and also goes after Nico Williams this summer as part of comments he made to Betfair.
With the Pole turning 36 in August, Rivaldo pointed out that Barca “must start thinking about a replacement” for its number 9.
“A team like this has to have the best in the world playing with them, and that also means keeping an eye on the best players on the market in all positions, including centre-forward.
“Lewandowski is a global star, that’s how he is, but we know sometimes that age and injuries can take their toll,” added Rivaldo, who had his own fair share of knee knocks at the height of his powers and as he stared to wind down his career.
That being said, Rivaldo still sees Lewandowski as an elite star who he hopes can rest and recover “to be at his best again in Barca’s preseason”.
“He can still have [some] good years of football. Let’s remember that he has even been named the best player in the world and that he has a beautiful football history behind him. I just hope that age doesn’t take its toll.”
Still aged 16, Barca winger Lamine Yamal is of course a lot younger than Lewandowski and Rivaldo is a big fan.
“I can only congratulate him. That way of playing, that personality… It’s amazing! It’s very difficult to find a player in football who has that character, who plays with that joy. And he does everything with a lot of calmness, as if he has a lot of experience. He has a great future and will bring a lot of joy to the fans of FC Barcelona and the national team,” Rivaldo predicted.
Lamine is currently lighting up the Euros with Spain alongside left winger Nico Williams.
Amid a report from El Nacional that bitter rivals Real Madrid have approached his entourage, Rivaldo believes that Barca should put its foot down and make what “would be a great signing”.
“Barca should pay attention to him during this European Championship [as], depending on his performance, perhaps later on they will have more competition to sign him. But it would seem like a great option to me,” Rivaldo concluded.
