The 28-year-old was born in Figueres, the Catalan town also associated with surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. His own journey has been far from conventional: after making his senior debut for fourth-tier Figueres at 18, he climbed through Spanish football before reaching La Liga at 24.
Four seasons at Rayo Vallecano brought 125 appearances and the opportunity to move to Chelsea in the summer. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Chavarría has been impressed by the welcome from his new teammates and staff.
“It’s been incredible,” he said. “To arrive at this club, this amazing club, and the welcome from the teammates was incredible. I’m very happy with it all.”
He has also found support off the pitch, particularly from Moisés Caicedo, who has helped him adjust to life in England and learn the language.
“Moi stays with me always, and he is now teaching me English because I need to learn,” Chavarría explained. He is taking weekly lessons and hopes to be fluent by the end of the season.
The full-back believes the Premier League suits his energetic approach. He enjoys working from box to box and contributing at both ends of the pitch.
“I think that the Premier League now is the best league in the world,” he said. “It has intensity, a lot of quality, and the players are top.”
He considers English football more physical and less predictable than La Liga, where tactical structure plays a greater role.
“It’s more difficult here because all teams have very good players,” he said. “The last team in the table can win against the first.”
Working with Alonso has also been a positive experience. Chavarría believes the coach understands his qualities and wants him to attack and defend with energy.
“Xabi is one of the best coaches in the world right now,” he said. “I am learning a lot and I know that he wants to help me.”
Playing at Stamford Bridge has fulfilled a childhood ambition. Chavarría remembers watching Chelsea on television and still finds it remarkable to wear the club's shirt.
“The stadium is incredible,” he said. “I saw a lot of matches on TV when I was a kid. I remember that and now I say: ‘Wow, I’m here’.”
His ambitions are straightforward: win trophies with Chelsea, qualify for the Champions League and eventually represent Spain.
“First of all, win a trophy, and then go with the national team,” he said. “But for me, the most important is the club.”
After climbing through every level of Spanish football, Chavarría sees Chelsea as the opportunity to reach another level. He wants to repay the club's faith by helping the team win silverware and giving supporters more reasons to celebrate.