thechelseachronicle.com

'Can't be explained': Kendry Paez picks between Chelsea and River Plate fans without hesitation

After a whirlwind year that saw him swap London and France for Buenos Aires, Kendry Paez has admitted that even the atmospheres at Chelsea and Strasbourg cannot compare.

Kendry Paez‘s time at Chelsea has been rather disappointing so far, with the youngster currently on his second loan move of the season at River Plate.

After all the hype, Paez’s loan spell at Strasbourg was brought to an end due to a lack of professionalism and quality on the pitch.

His time at River Plate has been a similar tale of frustration, with an injury the latest setback for Paez.

However, the one thing that has stuck with Paez in Argentina is the support.

Who are you starting in goal and midfield against PSG?

Chelsea's predicted XI for PSG clash

Kendry Paez says River Plate fans are on a different level

In an interview shared by ESPN, Kendry Paez stated that River Plate fans are like nothing he has ever experienced before at Strasbourg and Chelsea.

“I am very grateful to the fans who always come. It’s crazy, really. I’ve also played for Chelsea, the fans of France (Racing Strasbourg), but the Monumental is something that can’t be explained.

“The people, how they handle themselves, it’s something impeccable.”

Chelsea fans predicted big things for Paez when he made the move to Stamford Bridge, but he’s yet to prove his worth since the summer move.

What do you make of Chelsea players’ decision to do their team huddle on the halfway line?

Chelsea players enter a huddle surrounding Referee Paul Tierney

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

You can’t blame Kendry Paez for his answer

Kendry Paez’s preference for the Monumental over the atmospheres at Chelsea and Strasbourg comes from the overwhelming scale of South American football culture. While Stamford Bridge and Strasbourg’s Stade de la Meinau offer intimate atmospheres, River Plate’s newly redeveloped home is an 84,500-seat stadium that stands as the largest stadium in South America.

For an 18-year-old who grew up in the region, the energy of a crowd double the size of Chelsea’s, renowned for its continuous chanting, makes it an easy decision.

In this context, his comments aren’t a slight against Chelsea, but a recognition of a unique experience.

Join Our Newsletter

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox

Read full news in source page