In an interview where he held nothing back, José Luis Chilavert made statements to suit all tastes. In an extensive conversation with Radio Pauta de Chile, the former footballer praised who he considers one of the best players in history.
When asked who he would like to share a dressing room with if he could return to the field, 'Chila' was direct and sincere. "If I could return, I would play with Lionel Messi… If there was a pill to rejuvenate, it would be a dream to be in Barcelona with him," the former Paraguayan captain admitted.
In addition, he did not want to compare the quality of the goalkeepers from his time with the current level, considering that each era has good representatives: "Football has evolved. Before, many said that anyone could go to goal. Today, the best coaches in the world pay attention to whether you know how to play with your feet," he added just before revealing the advice he would give to young goalkeepers: "There are two steps: control and pass. Kill the ball and play quickly. And if they pressure you, throw it to the side," he said.
The idol of Vélez Sarsfield also responded to what he believes is still a problem in South American football and directly accused the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) of being responsible. "CONMEBOL acts like a dictatorship. Messi said he would not be part of corruption and they threatened him with a harsh sanction. Values have no price," emphasized Chilavert.