The Chilean winger of Dynamo spoke about his football career, adaptation in Russia and the first Russian words he learned.
– Let’s start from the very beginning of your journey. Where did your love for football come from?
– My father instilled a love for sports in me from a young age and enrolled me in a football academy — that’s how my story began. Thank goodness it all worked out, and I became a professional footballer.
– Who was your role model growing up?
– Naturally, I looked up to my older brother, Joaquín. He always tried to protect me, help me out, guide me onto the right path, and teach me discipline. I was truly happy when we eventually ended up playing for the same team.
– For a while, you competed for a spot in the starting lineup. Did that cause any issues?
– No, there were no problems at all. Off the pitch, we were brothers; on it, we competed for a position. So, our rivalry was only in the positive sense of the word. When he played and I was on the bench, it pushed me to work even harder and strive to reach a new level. Besides, we played many matches together and always celebrated each other’s successes.
– Last year, you helped Huachipato win the Copa Chile. How significant was that for you?
– It was the first trophy of my life, so the emotions were incomparable. It was also the club’s first-ever Copa Chile title, so I’m proud to have been part of that team and to have made history with them.
– In the photo, the trophy looks as big as a person — was it difficult to lift?
– Yes, the trophy is truly massive — just like the joy we felt when we won the final! It certainly wasn’t easy to lift, but we managed (laughs).
– You started the year in Argentina and moved to Dynamo in the autumn—do you find it easy to adapt to a new environment?
– I always try to be as prepared as possible, both physically and mentally, because in football, you never know what lies ahead. Of course, leaving my home country for the first time wasn’t easy; in Argentina, at least, the language was familiar, whereas here, things have been a bit more challenging. I’m gradually adapting to life and football in Russia now.
– What do people in Chile know about Russia? Did your expectations match the reality once you arrived?
– To be honest, the only thing I really knew was that it gets very cold here. I also remember Russian clubs performing quite well in the Champions League, and I hope that in the near future, we’ll be able to play there again. When I arrived in Russia, I was impressed by how everyone treated me, the club’s infrastructure, and Moscow itself—it’s a huge, beautiful city.
– Eight Chileans have played in Russia over the last five years, whereas before that, you could count them on one hand. Why do you think the Russian Premier League has become more popular among your compatriots?
– It’s hard to say exactly why there’s been an increase in Chilean players in the Russian league recently. But for players from Chile, it’s a great opportunity for development—the style of play here is completely different, and the infrastructure is of a very high standard.
– Before making the move, did you consult with Jordi Thompson — whom you crossed paths with in the Chilean youth national team — or with your senior national team teammate, Nacho Saavedra?
– Not right before the transfer, no — but I did speak with Nacho when I flew in for a national team match in Sochi. He told me about what it’s like living in Russia, mentioning that it’s very calm and safe here — something I’ve now been able to see for myself.
– A video of Nacho recently went viral; he described the situation at Rubin in fluent Russian, even using idiomatic expressions. How many words have you managed to learn so far?
– Just a few for now: privet (hi), zdorova (hey/what’s up), kak dela (how are things), horosho (good), spasibo (thanks), da (yes), and net (no). A "starter pack," so to speak. I’m still a long way from Nacho’s level, though — he put a lot of hard work into learning Russian.
– Have you gotten used to the high intensity of Dynamo’s training sessions and matches, as well as the specific demands set by Sandro Schwarz?
– Sandro’s demands are indeed very high, and I’m gradually adapting to them. Naturally, players who feature in the starting lineup more often have a better rhythm, but I always strive to be ready to step in and help the team whenever the coaching staff gives me the chance.
– You’ve played on both the right and left flanks. Where do you feel most comfortable?
– I’m more comfortable on the left, as it allows me to cut inside toward the center — either to take a shot with my preferred right foot or to look for teammates in the penalty area with a pass.
– The team’s best winning streak of the 21st century was followed by two defeats —against Akron and Krasnodar. How has this affected the atmosphere within the squad?
– Of course, we always want to win. I actually arrived right in the middle of that winning streak, and our confidence grew with every victory. But all streaks come to an end eventually, so there’s no need to despair just because of two losses. We’re continuing to work hard, and our goal is to secure all three points in the next match.
– Up next is a match against Akhmat — a team you’ve already faced in the Cup. What do you need to do to get back to winning ways?
– We need to listen to the coach, execute the game plan, and play to our strengths: maintaining high possession, moving the ball quickly, and constantly looking for open space. We have to do everything in our power to get back on the winning track.
– Saturday’s match will likely be the last one in relatively mild weather, as the first snow is expected next week. How do you feel about playing in these conditions?
– I’m a bit apprehensive, as I’ve never played in the snow before—it never snows in my hometown in Chile. While it does snow in some parts of the country, people don’t play football there. So, this will be a completely new experience for me. I just hope it doesn’t get too cold.
– There’s one more international break coming up in November. You scored twice for your national team back in September — are you heading into this next break with any special feelings?
– I always strive to give my absolute best, whether for my club or my national team. Those goals were incredibly emotional moments for me. Every time I step onto the pitch — whether as a starter or a substitute — my goal is to score and help the team.
– You’ve mentioned that Lionel Messi was your idol, though you never got the chance to play against him. Is there anyone else you’d love to share the pitch with?
– I’d say Neymar; he’s a unique player. That said, it wouldn’t be easy to make happen, since he’s playing in Brazil and I’m now in Russia.
– You’re doing a lot of flying these days. Which of your trips has been the longest?
– Definitely the journey from Chile to Russia—it felt absolutely endless. I managed to watch a TV series and a movie, play some games, and get some sleep, yet it was still going on.
– What are your favorite TV series and movie?
– As for TV series, I’d single out ‘Vikings,’ and for movies, ‘Interstellar.’