Molina: ‘It’s a fairy tale’
Argentina international Nahuel Molina hopes to ‘do something more than reaching safety’ in Serie A, after a ‘fairy tale’ year culminating in the Copa America triumph.
The Argentine had his big breakthrough in 2020-21 and admitted it has been a ‘fairy tale’ after establishing himself at the Dacia Arena and then winning the Copa America with his national team this summer, beating Brazil in the Final.
“It’s a fairy tale. In one year, I won the starting position in Europe, in Serie A with Udinese and I won the Copa America with Argentina, playing alongside [Lionel] Messi,” Molina told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“When I was little, in the Boca Juniors youth teams, he was my idol and now I play alongside what I call a genius.”
The 23-year-old recently signed a new five-year deal with the Friuli, a commitment that expires in June 2026.
Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul left Udinese and joined Atletico Madrid this summer and Molina revealed the former captain helped him a lot when he arrived in Italy.
“He took me under his wing, he gave me a direction, he helped me a lot,” Molina added. “Now, I and Tucu feel the responsibility, but there are experienced players like [Stefano] Okaka, [Bram] Nuytinck, Samir.
“Last year we suffered too many injuries and with COVID, this time we hope to do something more than reaching safety. Otherwise, [patron Giampaolo] Pozzo sends us to a retreat.
“But in Argentina it’s worse. In Rosario, if you lost, you didn’t even go out shopping.”
Molina revealed he has settled well in Udine but misses his family from Argentina.
“I live in the centre. It’s not Buenos Aires, it’s quiet,” he said. “I love pasta and ham, but the nutritionist checks you here.
“In a few weeks, my girlfriend Barbara will be back. I miss my family, for the rest, everything is done through the internet.
“I left home at 11, when I entered the youth sector at Boca. There’s everything there, super organisation.
“I soon learned how to grow. I wanted Europe and I arrived with work, I recognise this. I really owe everything to Boca. They sent me on loan twice, it’s difficult to play there.”
Molina left Boca Juniors on a free transfer, but said there was no controversy, even if the club didn’t receive any money for his move.
“No controversy, I wanted Europe and when my agent, Leo Rodriguez, proposed Udinese to me, I immediately said yes.
“In Serie A, the level is high and now Italy are champions like us.”