Yerry Mina: from playing barefoot to representing Colombia in a World Cup [VIDEO]

Yerry Mina, Barcelona defender, speaks after being included in Colombia's final list for Russia 2018

Yerry Mina, Barcelona defender, spoke after being included in Colombia's final list for Russia 2018. He said, "I dreamed of being in a World Cup since I was a child, even when I played without shoes. I am grateful for this wonderful achievement, now I have to perform well."

Coach José Pekerman chose him over William Tesillo, who was ultimately left out. Mina said, "We know the type of player Tesillo is, we know his potential. On one hand, I am sad because we have a great family and I am very sad for him, but we have to keep working calmly. I will continue to do my job, trying to give 100% and improving every day."

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Now, Yerry Mina will focus on being a starter for the Colombian national team. He said, "I am at 100% and the coach knows it, he will decide which center-backs will be the starters. We have to work and improve every day. To become great, we have to get better every day."

When asked about a possible friendly match for Colombia before Russia 2018, Mina added, "We are at the coach's disposal. He is the one who evaluates us, he is the one who is paying attention. Sometimes we think we are doing well but we are not. He will decide if we will play another friendly or not. If we do, we will do it in the best way."

Colombia will face Poland, Senegal, and Japan in the group stage. Mina concluded, "All the teams are difficult, everyone wants to win, everyone wants to score goals. Some teams will close up and not give us spaces. We have to persist and work harder every day to go as far as we can."

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