According to reports, David Villa, during an event related to La Liga’s sponsorship, discussed various topics, including praise for Lamine Yamal and the future of Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso.

Villa on Xabi Alonso’s potential future at Real Madrid: “I have no idea. I can only tell you that he is a great friend and an excellent colleague doing a fantastic job at Bayer Leverkusen. I wish him the best. Beyond that, I can’t say because I don’t know.”

On whether Alonso showed leadership qualities: “Midfielders usually have something extra—an awareness of tactical duties and coaching. I’ve been asked the same about Xavi and others. For example, I never saw Fernando Torres as a coach, and now he is one. You see things in teammates, but it’s hard to judge in the moment because your focus is on playing football.”

On the new generation of young coaches (Guardiola, Arteta, Fabregas, Torres): “Spanish football has always been at a high level, both in players and coaches. Many from our generation, who marked an era, have turned to coaching. I’m happy for them because they are great people contributing positively to Spanish football, even if they’re abroad. It reflects well on Spanish football.”

On whether he will become a coach: “I don’t have the desire to coach. I’ve known this for a long time. I won’t say never, but I don’t see myself on the bench.”

On Lamine Yamal’s importance to Barcelona: “Just watch Barcelona play—not just what he does with the ball, but how his teammates react. The other day, I felt like all his teammates were looking for him in the final minutes against Inter. He’s 17, playing for Barcelona, which is incredibly tough. He carries that aura, and it’s rare. He takes the ball and solves problems. We must protect and support him because he’s still a kid with a ruthless future.”

Would Yamal have played in Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team? “I think yes, because of his talent. Comparing eras isn’t entirely fair. Piqué said he might not have started with our generation. Analyzing such things is complex. What I know is that he’s a ruthless talent who could play in any era.”

On Yamal’s Ballon d’Or chances: “We’ll see. I think he deserves it. There’s still a season left, and you know I’ve never been a big believer in this award. But he will win it one day, for sure.”