Nico Paz credits Cesc Fabregas with shaping the player he has become, insisting the Como coach “taught me practically everything”.
With quotes via Tuttomercatoweb, the Argentine attacking midfielder was speaking to UEFA’s official channels about Como’s first season in the Champions League.
Nico Paz joined Como from Real Madrid in 2024 after only a handful of first-team appearances. He has since become one of Serie A’s most creative players and a regular for Argentina.
“He taught me practically everything. I arrived here as a young player from Castilla. I’d played a few games for Real Madrid, but in the end I was a reserve-team player in a lower division. Coming here and playing in Serie A, the top flight, allowed me to grow and improve a lot, both as a player and as a person. It was all thanks to Cesc, who believed in me and brought me here. From the first day he let me play the way I wanted and gave me a lot of freedom. He taught me a lot. I think the player I am today is all down to him.”
Nico Paz on Como’s Champions League debut
Como made their European debut at home to RB Leipzig last month, a night Paz will never forget.
“It was incredible, walking out with the Champions League anthem playing, and in our own stadium. Hearing that anthem meant we were finally playing in the Champions League, and against Leipzig, a team that has played in the competition many times. It gave us a huge boost. It was a special match for us, professionally and personally. It’s special because every child dreams of playing in the Champions League, and most of us had never played in it before. It was a dream come true and a step forward.”
He believes there is still plenty of room for improvement as the competition gets tougher.
“We can always give more. We have to, otherwise we’ll reach a dead end. We’ll face progressively stronger teams, and there are difficult games ahead in the Champions League. We have to keep growing to be able to face those teams. But we’re doing it and we’ll keep doing it. We’re an ambitious team and we want to keep growing. We want to play well in every game, and we will, because our team is mentally ready.”
Asked about Como’s target, Nico Paz said effort would be the measure.
“I think the key is giving everything on the pitch. If at the end of the game you walk off thinking you could have run a bit more or done something differently… If everyone walks off knowing they gave their all and the opponents win because they’re stronger, then you have to give them credit. But if everyone gives their best and we grow and improve as a team, then I think we’ll do well in the Champions League.”