Nico Paz, di Argentine midfielder wey dey play for Como, don shut down all di transfer rumours wey dey fly upandan. Di 21-year-old player, wey dem dey link with Inter Milan, come out clear say him mind dey only for Como finish di season strong, especially for Coppa Italia semifinal wey dem go play against Inter.
Di boy performance dis season don make market hot, and Inter dey look am well-well. But Paz no gree hear any early talk about him future. Him talk say no distraction dey, him main target na to finish di work with Como for cup competitions.
When dem ask am about possible move to Inter Milan, Paz answer with strong mouth. Him also talk about possible return to Real Madrid, but him make am clear say no short-term decision dey for him mind now. Him stand remain say him dey focused on present and di final stretch with him team.
Even though Inter no dey him immediate plans, one factor still dey weigh for Paz case: Real Madrid. Di Spanish club wey still get link with him from youth days, still get option to buy am back with re-purchase clause. With him level for Italy, di option of return to Spanish football dis summer dey real, but Paz talk say him priority na Como now.
Paz progress no go make sense without di impact of him coach, Cesc Fàbregas. Di ex-footballer wey play for Arsenal and Barcelona before, don push open and dynamic style of play for Como, with freedom for creative players to express themselves. For Paz, dat framework don be key to explode him role for midfield.
Di attacking midfielder highlight di confidence wey him get from Fàbregas: young coach with way of living football wey translate to continuity, opportunities and style wey fit wetin di player need to perform. For sporting terms, di idea clear: if team give am space and system support am, Paz fit make difference with good decision and arrival.
Beyond market talk, Como main focus dey on second leg of Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter. First leg end 0-0, wey keep di tie completely open and force small-small details: for dis kind matches, one mistake or lack of concentration fit cost qualification.
Also, Como just collect recent blow for league. Di team fall 4-3 against Inter for Serie A, result wey dey fire motivation for revenge. Combination of equal cup tie and direct league history make di emotional and sporting stretch especially intense.
Before dem face Inter again, Como must face one previous step: match against Sassuolo. Na compulsory test to maintain competitive rhythm and reach cup tie with maximum clarity possible.
Paz don already make debut for Argentina national team. Him play for October 2024 against Bolivia, and dat night capture everything footballer dream from small: wear country jersey, share pitch with him idol and leave immediate mark.
For dat match, Paz give assist to Lionel Messi. But di real impact come after. “Na dream, I no even realise for di moment. I only understand am after match,” him confess for interview with Sport Mediaset.
Beyond assist, another detail stick for Nico Paz memory. Brief exchange, but determining. “Leo tell me say make I work hard and be humble.” No be just phrase. Not even gesture. Na instruction in form of advice, way to mark line of conduct. Roadmap.
Paz follow am. And for dat line him dey advance for Serie A and every opportunity wey him get to play for Lionel Scaloni team. “I go thief him left leg,” him talk, with small laugh, about Messi. Almost like homage to Diego Maradona famous declaration from childhood.
Paz repeat process almost without knowing. “I dream about World Cup from small, from when I dey watch matches for television. Go be incredible. I dey work every day to reach,” him talk, with two months to 2026 World Cup.
For times where many youths prioritise immediate present, Paz maintain long-term vision: consolidate for Europe, grow as footballer and earn place for national team. After him leave Real Madrid for 2024, di midfielder find continuity for Como.
Key step wey make am protagonist every weekend for Italian football. Paz gain ground. Him ask for ball, dribble, try different things. “I mature for all aspects. I come without playing for First Division and now I feel more prepared,” him assure.
Dat evolution no small. Argentina national team no dey give places free. Dem demand performance, continuity and personality. Paz ask for track to be there now and maintain for long time.
Ex-Barcelona player, now become Como coach, help am plenty for him growth. “Na di most important factor. Him get plenty confidence for us, live for football and allow me play how I want,” Paz confess about Cesc Fábregas.
Freedom, confidence and development. Three concepts wey explain why him performance for Italy translate to real projection towards national team. With level wey him dey show, na logical to think about return to Real Madrid.
Even, Inter Milan don show interest. Talent like dis dey seduce everybody, including powerful clubs like Real Madrid wey fit bring am back for nine million euros, or Inter wey dey always dominate Italian competition.
But di Argentine midfielder maintain clear focus: “I dey 100% focused on Como. After we go see.” “I no want think about rumours with other clubs. I want give everything for pitch. If another opportunity show for future, we go analyse am.”
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
