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Leny Yoro’s mum has stated that he always wanted to play in England and has dreamed of playing for Manchester United since he was a kid.
In an extensive interview with The Athletic, Yoro’s mum touched on numerous aspects of his childhood and his decision to join United over Real Madrid last summer.
Flore Baugnies admitted that every time she watched her son she got nervous but is improving. She stated, “I’m starting to get used to it, but at the beginning, you’re always scared, scared he’ll make a mistake. You want to go out there and tell him, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll be fine’. Every time I watch a match, I’m pretty stressed.”
When he was a younger teenager in France, he used to suffer from regular injuries that could have quashed his dream of being a professional player. His mum revealed that the big change came when he started to focus more on his diet, when they sought assistance from a nutritionist.
She also praised her son’s mental strength and claimed that even as a youngster he had this trait. She claimed, “if he makes a mistake, he picks himself up straight away. If they lost a match, he came home and we didn’t necessarily talk about the game, we left him alone. He’d go up to his room and in the moment he’s not good but the next day he goes again, he’s already thinking about the next match.”
Opening up on his move to England, she dismissed suggestions that her son preferred a transfer to Real Madrid, that was widely reported at the time.
Commenting on his move to Manchester she said, “he always knew that at some point he’d go abroad, he’s always loved the English league, so for him it was logical. It’s a very big club, with an incredible history, I know he’s always loved that club.”
She asserted that while the move was discussed as a family, it was Yoro’s decision to ultimately join the Red Devils. She claimed, “we discussed it a bit. I really let him make his own decision. It was up to him to forge his own path and become an adult.”
Baugines asserted that Yoro was attracted to United’s project as he would be a member of a group of young players aiming to “be part of those who would rebuild Manchester United’s history.”
She also touched on Thierry Henry’s public and rather over the top criticism of her son after a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United last month.
She stated philosophically, “he had the right to say what he wanted to say. Leny hadn’t played a great game but when people say things like that, it stings. It’s my son. But it doesn’t matter — all that matters is that he realised he didn’t play the match he needed to play and that he played a better match afterwards. We take a step back because if we’re angry, we’re going to pass it on to our children.”
She did mention that whilst she was delighted with her son’s progress at only 19 years old, she still worries about him. She accepted that the huge amount of money brings criticism and attracts many people who were not with him at the start.
Baugines elaborated on the topic asserting, “they never stop, they never have a holiday. Mentally, it’s extremely difficult. It’s not an easy job.”
Finally she claims her son is a quiet boy who prefers to stay at home with his girlfriend, dogs and PlayStation than seek the party lifestyle.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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