Ivan Perisic asked Lamine Yamal for his shirt at half-time during Spain’s match against Croatia, saying afterwards that the exchange fulfilled his eldest son’s dream.
According to fcinews, Perisic approached Yamal before the interval and arranged the swap rather than waiting until the final whistle.
Yamal later explained how the unexpected request unfolded.
“Perisic came up to me at half-time and told me: ‘Normally I’d wait until after the game to ask for your jersey, but I have to do it now,’” Yamal said.
“I looked at him and thought, ‘Why now?’ And he replied: ‘Because after you play a game like that, everyone will want that jersey.’ I laughed because I totally didn’t expect that.”
Perisic then told him: “Believe me, I have to arrange it now because I know there will be a long line after the game.”
Yamal said he regarded the exchange as a special moment, having followed Perisic for a long time.
“Honestly, I thought it was a beautiful moment,” he said. “I’ve been following Perisic for a long time, so it was special to hear him say that. I gave him my jersey, and he gave me his.
“But then he said: ‘Now go back out there and make sure I don’t regret giving you my jersey!’ That made me laugh even harder. It was a really great moment, especially coming from a player like him.”
Perisic praises Yamal after Croatia defeat
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Perisic said the shirt was secured with his son in mind.
“Today we lost, but at least I fulfilled my eldest son’s dream: to own Yamal’s jersey,” he said. “So I immediately asked for his jersey after the first half.”
Perisic also praised Yamal’s performance, while insisting Croatia’s chances in the competition had not disappeared despite the defeat.
“Spain was stronger today, and Yamal is a great player,” he said. “He deserves the Golden Ball; he tormented our defenders the entire game.
“But I don’t think the match is over yet; we will get back into contention. Croatia won’t give up easily.”
