The attacking midfielder reflected on his journey in an interview with UEFA, describing Como’s debut in Europe’s premier club competition as a special moment for a squad that had climbed rapidly through Italian football.
“It was incredible. Walking onto the pitch while the Champions League anthem was playing, and being in our own stadium, was amazing,” Paz said.
“Hearing that anthem meant we were finally playing in the Champions League, and against Leipzig, a team that has played in the competition many times. It gave us a huge boost.
“It was a special match for us, both professionally and personally. Every child dreams of playing in the Champions League. Most of us had never played in this competition before. It was a dream come true and a step forward.”
Paz reserved particular praise for Fàbregas, whose decision to bring him to Como gave the young Argentine an opportunity to play regular first-team football in Serie A.
“He has taught me practically everything. I arrived here as a young player from Castilla. I had played a few matches with Real Madrid, but ultimately I was a reserve-team player in a lower division.
“Coming here and playing in Serie A, in the top division, has allowed me to grow and improve a lot, both as a player and as a person. It is all thanks to Cesc, who believed in me and brought me here.
“From the first day, he let me play the way I wanted, giving me a great deal of freedom. He taught me a lot. I think the player I am today is all thanks to him.”
The midfielder knows that Como’s progress brings increasingly difficult challenges. He believes the team must continue improving rather than becoming satisfied with their rapid rise.
“We can always give more. We have to, otherwise we will reach a standstill. We will gradually face stronger teams, and difficult Champions League matches are waiting for us.
“We have to keep growing so we can compete against these teams. We are doing that and will continue to do so. We are an ambitious team and want to keep improving. We want to play well in every match, and we will, because our team is mentally ready.”
Paz also believes that effort and collective progress will determine how far Como can go in Europe. He accepts that stronger opponents may sometimes prevail, provided his team has given everything.
“I think the key is to give everything on the pitch. If you leave the field thinking you could have run a little more or done something differently, then you haven't given your best.
“But if everyone knows they gave everything and the opponents win because they are stronger, then you have to recognise their merit. If everyone gives their best and we grow and improve as a team, I believe we will do well in the Champions League.”
For Paz, the European adventure is both a reward for Como’s rise and another opportunity to develop under a coach whose influence he considers decisive.