Ahead of PSG vs. Chelsea, Willian Pacho, 24, Paris Saint-Germain’s central defender, gave a particularly personal interview to PSG TV. The Ecuadorian international revealed his childhood dreams, the personal significance of his number 51 jersey, and the very special nature of his European reunion with Moisés Caicedo.
Pacho: “I never really thought I could win a Champions League”
I never really thought I could win a Champions League. When it happened, I remember very well that it was a dream.
One of the things that struck me most was seeing how I motivated many people in Ecuador to believe that it’s possible, that you can fight for your dream, that you can make history in European football, especially since it has always been difficult for Ecuadorians.
Pacho: “In every match I play, whenever I’m going through a tough time, I feel a support that’s always there for me.”
Why this number?
The truth is, I started with number 51. I wore it a lot at Independiente, then at Antwerp. After that, I became very attached to it because, beyond the fact that I was very happy to wear it at my clubs, it was mainly for my mother, who passed away at that age. I believe that every minute, in every match I play, whenever I’m going through a tough time, I feel a support that’s always there for me.
In truth, I thank God first, who is always there, and my mother; they are the ones who truly shaped me into the person I am today.
Pacho: “You can’t imagine what a wonderful person Caicedo is.”
Caicedo?
He’s my best friend. I’ve known him since 2016 or 2017, if I’m not mistaken, since I arrived at Independiente. He has no ill will whatsoever. I think on the pitch he’s a beast, a fierce competitor, but off it, he’s a wonderful person. You can’t imagine what a great person he is. He knows I hold him in very high regard, and facing him in the Champions League will make for a very, very good match for me.
