Chelsea proved they are truly looking to the future when they signed Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle in the last few weeks. Still just 16, Paez is a true wonderkid and is already talking about how excited he is to finally make the move to European football in a couple of years when Chelsea are able to register him.
His quotes make it clear just how excited he is, even if his debut may be some years away. There is one player in particular he’s looking forward to linking up with:
“I don’t feel pressure, I am focused on Independiente, on the Libertadores and trying to continue playing in the best way,” Paez said in quotes picked up by The Metro.
“To get there I have to keep working, be focused on learning. It will be something special to share things with players like Enzo [Fernandez], with other special ones.
“It’s wonderful, but now I’m focused on Independiente del Valle. There are two years to go, I know it goes by quickly and I’ll keep doing my thing here.
“I’m Kendry, I’m going to give the name to Ecuador. I’m going to continue being me, I don’t want to be compared to Messi. He’s very special, he’s the best. I’m 16-years-old, they cannot compare me with him, because I’m in a process.
“I have things to improve and gain a lot of experience. Later, with time, perhaps with what I win, maybe with Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian. It’s me and no one else.”
If you hadn’t realised it already, you do now. Enzo is a really significant figure in South America considering his young age, thanks to his superb year of success with River Plate, then Benfica and Argentina.
His move to Chelsea raised his profile even further, and if he becomes a success he should help usher in a new generation of South American superstars at Stamford Bridge.
