With just 18 years and only five meetings with the first team of the U, Luis Rojas left Chile in October 2020. He did it to live his first experience abroad: the Crotone of Italy integrated him into their ranks. “ANDHe is a very technical midfielder, skilled with the ball at his feet, gifted with a great shot and is considered among the most promising young players on the international scene“Said the Serie A club at the footballer’s presentation.
For now, the former blue has 17 minutes at Calcio after seeing action against Sampdoria, Inter, Benevento and Fiorentina. In any case, Rojas understands the background in which Giovanni Stroppa has put him, DT of Crotone. “I’m still young. I have a lot to learn tactically, a lot to improve physically and I have to make myself available to whatever he asks of me. It is a matter of time and he will see when I am in the best moment to be able to enter “, he admits in dialogue with AS.
– Who did you think of when you debuted for Crotone? What was the first thing that came to mind?
– The first thing that came to mind were my parents, my little brothers, my sisters. First, happy to see it as a dream, to be able to debut professionally, and then to play in Serie A. I think that for anyone it is a dream. I felt very happy. I had a set of emotions, which I later shared with my family. Not personally, but by video and calls.
– When he entered against Sampdoria, he became the youngest Chilean to debut in Serie A, above names like Pinilla, Isla and Alexis. What makes you star in such a milestone?
– It was nice. I had no idea that he was the youngest Chilean to debut in Serie A. For me, it’s nice to have done it. Being the youngest doesn’t have much of an impact on me, since I prefer to see what happens next.
– He was also able to play against Inter Milan, a higher level test. Was it a dream come true to have measured against so many figures? Were you able to speak to Alexis or Vidal?
– It was a difficult, complicated game. It was nice too. It was a dream come true to play with so many footballers that you only see on television. Afterwards I was able to talk a bit with Alexis and exchange the shirt, which made me happier.
– What has surprised you the most about the Italian league, the training sessions themselves or the way you live football?
– What has surprised me the most is that, compared to Chile, here it is played in a very tactical way, both to defend and to attack. There is a lot of video. I’m learning from my colleagues, how professional they are, how they take care of themselves, and that’s how I’m making it my own.
– How important is Hernán Caputto for your career? The criticism of him, for what he did in the U, is it excessive or is it okay?
– He was a good coach who helped me with South American issues, where we were able to achieve a beautiful achievement. And nothing, there is no criticism for him. It wasn’t a good time and I feel like he did the best he could, as, like many, he loved the club.
– In the search for the long-awaited replacement in La Roja, do you think you deserve a chance?
– I do not see the replacement as such, but rather help and contribute with what I do and in what may be useful for the National Team. If there is a possibility, I want to go stay and play.
– What are your dreams in football?
– I really like to play, have fun, have fun while playing. Then we are pointing to more. Be a champion, play for the national team, continue having fun and love football. Be happy with it. Only that.