Real Madrid news: "I think I made the right decision" — Nico Paz explains why he stayed at Como

Nico Paz had the opportunity to return to Real Madrid during this summer's transfer window, but the Argentine gem chose to stay at Como.

For the first Champions League match in the club's history, Como could not have dreamed of a better start. The Italian side eased to victory over RB Leipzig (4-1). As has often been the case in recent months, Nico Paz was one of the main architects of that success.

The attacking midfielder, deployed as a number 10 in Cesc Fabregas' 4-2-3-1, provided two assists.

"It was a historic night. We put in an incredible performance. We were really looking forward to this match. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We're very happy with our performance," he said after the match.

The 22-year-old is confirming, appearance after appearance, that he is a generational talent. A breakthrough that took place under Real Madrid's watch, but far from the Spanish capital. Nico Paz was indeed developed by the Merengues, but fully blossomed in Italy.

The Argentina international joined Como in 2024, and after two impressive seasons, the Serie A club was able to sign him permanently this summer for £51.6 million.

He could, however, have returned to Real Madrid this summer. According to information from AS, the Merengues did indeed intend to bring him back this window and made their intentions clear to him.

However, the Argentine did not want to return, as he felt that, given Jose Mourinho's current squad, which includes the likes of Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler, he would not have received the playing time necessary to continue his development.

Nico Paz weighed up his options and ultimately chose to stay at Como for footballing reasons. "I thought this was where I would develop the most. I think I made the right decision, and I'm happy with it," the player himself said on Thursday evening.

It is worth noting that Real Madrid, unwilling to lose control over the gem produced by their own academy, inserted a £68.8 million buyback option into the deal. The battle with Arsenal for Nico Paz has already begun.

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