Iván Román arrives at Colo Colo determined to fulfill a childhood dream

Some presentations just feel different, and Iván Román's introduction at Colo Colo was one of them. The 20 year old Chilean defender stepped onto the field at Estadio Monumental this Wednesday for his first training session in the white jersey, and hours later sat down in front of the microphones to share something not every new signing can say: he's living out a childhood dream.

Román arrives from Atlético Mineiro, the Brazilian club where he barely saw the field in recent times. And that lack of playing time was, as the player himself admitted, the main reason behind his exit. He didn't leave Brazil chasing just any destination: he landed at the very club he has supported since he was a kid.

Yes, I'm a Colo Colo fan. I always have been, since I was little. I have a lot of respect for Palestino, because it was my home for 12 years and that's where I had my childhood. Now I'm at the club I actually support, and I'm going to give my best in this jersey.Iván Román

The center back came up through Palestino's academy before making the jump to Brazilian soccer, and he didn't hide the affection he still holds for that chapter of his career. But he also made clear that the priority now is different: getting minutes on the field, something he wasn't finding in Belo Horizonte.

He needs to play to develop

At just 20 years old, Román understands that this stage of his career gets decided on the field, not on the bench. That's why he was blunt in explaining why he chose to return to Chilean soccer right now.

I'm at a point in my career where I have to play, I need to play. I wasn't getting that chance in Brazil, I wasn't being considered and I wasn't playing, and here the club showed interest in me. The coach talked to me, and there was no way I was going to pass this up.Iván Román

The defender also spoke about the welcome he received from the squad, singling out the presence of veteran leaders like Arturo Vidal. He said he arrives hoping to learn from the more experienced players in the locker room while also contributing his part to a team that, in his own words, is going through a good moment.

Asked about the responsibility of wearing the jersey of a major club like Colo Colo, with all the demands that come with it, Román preferred to play down any sense of pressure. He spoke with the calm of someone who already feels at home, even though he hasn't officially debuted yet.

Now it remains to be seen when the coach will give him his first opportunity. What was clear after his presentation is that Román doesn't arrive as just another signing: he comes in motivated, eager to carve out a role for himself, with a stated goal of eventually earning a look from the Chilean national team.