“It’s a good memory I’ll take with me” - Lionel Messi’s Argentine teammate Nico Paz shares advice Toni Kroos gave him after leaving Real Madrid
Argentine youngster Nico Paz, 20, has shared the advice given to him by former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kross. The former German international acknowledged Paz's potential and encouraged him to keep fighting.
Kroos retired from professional football at the end of the 2023-24 season, ending a decorated career for club and country. Paz, on the other hand, left Los Blancos in the summer and signed for newly promoted Serie A side Como.
The 20-year-old is a Real Madrid academy graduate and made his senior debut in the 2023-24 season. He scored one goal in eight games for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last term. However, a lack of opportunities with the first team prompted a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Paz, who operates as an attacking midfielder, recently disclosed the advice given to him by Kroos prior to his exit from the Spanish club.
“When Kroos left, he came and told me to keep fighting, that I had to find my place and that he believed in me. It’s a good memory I’ll take with me,” he said (via Madrid Xtra on X).
The young Argentine has impressed since leaving Los Blancos. He has contributed a goal and three assists in seven appearances for Como. Paz also provided an assist for Lionel Messi in Argentina's 6-0 thumping of Bolivia in the recently concluded international break.
Nico Paz could return to Real Madrid in the future
Despite his move away from Madrid this summer, Nico Paz could return to the Santiago Bernabeu in the future. The La Liga outfit sold him to Como in the summer, but still own 50 percent of the player's rights and included a buyback option clause in his contract.
According to Marca (via Fichajes), Real Madrid are monitoring Paz’s progress and could activate the clause in his contract if he continues to impress.
Los Blancos will be keen to bolster their midfield in the coming seasons. Luka Modric is nearing the end of his career, and the club is yet to replace Toni Kroos. Thus, there could be an opportunity for Paz to return to his boyhood club.