New Malaga signing Roberto Chen says it is ‘a dream come true’ for him to have joined the Andalusian outfit.
The 19-year-old central defender [pictured, left] has been snapped up from Panamanian side San Francisco in a deal worth €500,000, after being recommended by former Malaga striker and current Panama national team boss Julio Dely Valdes.
Chen, who has represented Panama five times, will be officially unveiled as a Malaga player on Monday and could not hide his delight at the move.
“It’s a dream come true for me to have come to Malaga, a club that last year achieved some important things, and the past few days have made me very happy,” he told reporters.
“After the Copa de Oro this proposal came up and I never had any doubt in saying yes. Hopefully I can do well here. I am a centre-back who can sometimes play at right-back and I’m known as someone who gives his all on the pitch.
“I am a warrior who is going to fight every minute in order to play and my message to the supporters is that they can count on me, as I’ll give everything.”
The youngster admitted that Dely Valdes had given him some advice.
“It is a joy for the whole country as only two other players from Panama have played in Spain. One of them, Dely Valdes, also had some great seasons here at Malaga and that has motivated me for what lies ahead.
“He has already congratulated me and given me some advice, saying I have it all to play for and that I only need to be disciplined and aware of what I’m going to do. I’ve come with the mentality of earning a place in the team.
“I’m here to learn because I am still young and have so much to learn, and that will help me grow as both a professional footballer and a person.
“This is a dream, so I hope to take maximum advantage of the opportunity and create a good impression,” he added.
