Angel Romero is one of the latest players to be linked to West Ham United, with reports from England saying yesterday the attacker has become a target for Manuel Pellegrini.
The 26-year-old plays for Corinthians, and was a teammate of Fabian Balbuena, who has joined the Hammers in a €4m deal this summer.
As both players are Paraguayan, played for the same club and could move to London together, it’s impossible not to relate both cases, and this was a subject in a long interview Romero has given to Gazeta Esportiva this week.
Gazeta Esportiva didn’t make any special question about West Ham, but continued asking if Romero would like to follow his compatriot to Europe soon.
First asked if he misses Balbuena, Romero said: “I was sad for his departure, but happy for him. I told him I was happy to see a friend playing in a very competitive league. I don’t know if this is the dream of the Brazilian player, but it is the dream of the Paraguayan player. Everyone wants to reach the highest possible level in their career. And the highest is the Premier League.”
Then Romero was quizzed if he has this dream: “So … yes, it’s a dream I have. No one will say no. All Paraguayan players dream of playing in a strong, competitive league. I’m getting it in Brazil. The Brazilian league is, yes, very competitive, one of the most important in the world. Balbuena left and will face strong teams, valued and known by all. I’m happy for him, but sad that he left us. I was very close to him, his family. My wife would go out and talk to his wife a lot. It’s bad for that aspect.”
Finally, Romero was questioned if it’s worth becoming an idol at Corinthians or following Balbuena to Europe: “When you ask me if I dream of playing in a competitive league, of course I say yes. I have this dream of someday playing in an important, well-known league in Europe. But I’m very happy with Corinthians, man. I said, yes, I used to dream even more about it (going to Europe) before I got to know Corinthians, and less now. Today, I know Corinthians, I know what Corinthians are and I don’t know what God is keeping for the future.”
But if West ham come knocking, it’s clear the player will be tempted.
