Cases like those of Fernando Ovelar (20) are very few in football. The Paraguayan striker made his debut with only 14 years in Cerro Porteñowhich caught the interest of clubs like Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, among others, although he finally arrived at Pachuca in 2023 and he also had a stint in Atlante the same year. Life took an unexpected turn for him at the beginning of 2024 and he arrived on loan to Spanish Union.
Among Hispanics, he has gradually earned a place among the headlines and has been able to adapt to national soccer. Despite the defeat against Universidad Católica, it was the fourth consecutive match in which he started as a starter, in a campaign where he already has three goals. “When I debuted I was not yet mature and I did not understand certain things. Today I have a new opportunity here in Chile”he assures As after the match against UC.
The Guaraní also received a visit from his mother on the Santa Laura, who traveled from Paraguay to accompany him for a couple of months. “I am very proud of where he has been able to get and where he will go next. He has told me that he is very happy here in Chile, he has gotten used to it very quickly”he points out, before his son starts the conversation.
– The match against UC was complicated from the start with the expulsion of Magnasco…
– The truth is that it became very difficult with the expulsion, but I highlight the unity of the team. At halftime we talked that we all had to be together and we almost tied it in the last minutes.
– How has your adaptation to the team and a country like Chile been?
-Since I arrived I adapted well with my teammates and coaches. I’m trying to help from wherever I can, whether I have to be a starter or come on as a substitute. As for the country, it is now a little cold, but I’m still going to get used to it because I really like Chile. They treated me very well from the beginning, so I try to take advantage of that and be one hundred percent in football.
-How did you handle the pressure generated by making your professional debut at 14 years old?
– At that time I was very young and had not matured yet, I did not understand all the things that were happening to me, but today I have a new opportunity here in Unión and I hope to take advantage of the moment with my teammates.
-What objective do you have for this year?
– I would like to have a good tournament with the team, to always be an option for the coach and for him to know that I will be helping from wherever I can. I’m going to do my best to make that happen.
