Adam Aznou has had what surely were the most exciting weeks of his fledgling career to date: at the age of just 18, the FCB full-back made his debut for the Moroccan senior national team at the beginning of September, and a few days later he led the German record champions' U19s to victory with a wonder goal in their first Youth League match of the season. Wednesday will see the next highlight for Aznou and his side with a clash against Barcelona's youngsters. In an interview with fcbayern.com, the 18-year-old talked about his relationship with his home town of Barcelona, the upcoming clash with his former club and his friendship with Lamine Yamal.
Adam Aznou - The interview
Servus, Adam. On Wednesday, you have an away game against Barcelona in the Youth League. It's going to be a special game for you, isn't it?
Adam Aznou: "Yes, of course. I played for the club for three years and I'm really looking forward to going back. It's been a while since I was last there, so the game is very special for me personally. Barcelona is still my home. I was born and grew up there, lived in the city for 16 years and spent my childhood and youth there. Whenever I find the time, I try to spend a few days in the city."
Barcelona is still my home for me. I was born and grew up there, lived in the city for 16 years and spent my childhood and youth there
Adam Aznou on his relationship with his home town of Barcelona
Do you still have many friends and acquaintances in Barcelona?
"Yes, of course. Every time I'm there, I meet up with friends. It's always great to see everyone again, especially as it doesn't happen that often now that I live in Munich. I also know a lot of players from my time at Barça, with whom I get on very well and meet up from time to time."
Barcelona is one of the most successful clubs in Europe. What makes the club so special?
"Barcelona has had one of the best youth academies in the world for many decades. Numerous players, such as Messi, Xavi, Gavi and Pau Cubarsí, who have gone on to play in the first team or are currently playing, went through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy. That speaks for the terrific quality of the work being done with young players at the club."
Good friends: Javier Fernández and Adam Aznou congratulated Lamine Yamal in Munich on reaching the final of the 2024 European Championship.
You joined Barcelona in 2019 at the age of 13 and played for the club for a total of three years. Do you still know many players from the club?
Yes, I'm still in contact with some of the boys from my cohort. I also have a very good relationship with Lamine Yamal. We get on really well. Lamine and I played together at youth level for Spain for a few years and, of course, at Barça. I'd be very happy if I saw him on Wednesday."
Let's take a look at your role in the team. You took over the captaincy in the Youth League this year. How comfortable do you feel in the role?
It's an honour for me to take on such an important role in the team. I've never been captain before, so of course it was and is a big challenge for me, but also a fantastic one. My aim is to fulfil the role to the best of my ability and use my experience and leadership qualities to help the team."
Aznou scored FC Bayern's first Youth League goal of the season with a wonder strike 🎯💯:
Let's finish up with a look at Wednesday's match: What kind of game are you expecting against the Barcelona U19s?
"It will certainly be a very close and intense match between two strong teams. Barcelona will try to play their trademark link-up and possession football. Of course, we intend to counter that and also bring our style of play onto the pitch with as much possession as possible. We'll give everything we've got to come out on top and secure our third win in three games."
The World Final of the FC Bayern Youth Cup 2024 reached its climax last weekend:
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