Kendry Paez will link up with Chelsea once he turns 18 (Picture: Getty)
Ecuador have issued a statement after Chelsea’s 16-year-old star Kendry Paez was allegedly spotted partying in a nightclub one day before their match against Italy.
The South Americans lost 2-0 to their European opponents in an international friendly which took place at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey this weekend.
Ecuadorian media have reported that Paez, along with three teammates – Robert Arboleda, Piero Hincapie and Gonzalo Plata – partied in a club the night before being involved in the squad for the clash against the Italians.
A video has gone viral on social media which shows the four players at the club, with one of them showing off a bundle of cash and throwing it at a female dancer.
The Ecuadorian FA have now responded to the clip as they posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting their actions may impact future call-ups.
‘Images of events contrary to the values and principles that we [FEF] defend as an institution have been disseminated, with which will be a reason for analysis of future call-ups,’ the statement read.
Paez is set to officially move to Chelsea from Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2025 – after his 18th birthday – which the club confirmed in July 2023.
Paez was lauded by Chelsea star and fellow Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo last year, who feels the teenager has a massive future ahead of him.
‘He’s a crack!’ Caicedo said. ‘The truth is there are times where I watch Independiente games, it’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.
‘I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing. All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.’
Chelsea star Moises Caicedo is a huge fan of Kendry Paez (Picture: Getty)
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Paez, meanwhile, speaking about his upcoming switch to west London, said: ‘It will be something special to share things with players like Enzo Fernandez, with other special ones.
‘It’s wonderful, but now I’m focused on Independiente del Valle. I know it goes by quickly and I’ll keep doing my thing here.
‘I’m Kendry, I’m going to give the name to Ecuador. I’m going to continue being me, I don’t want to be compared to [Lionel] Messi. He’s very special, he’s the best. I’m 16-years-old, they cannot compare me with him, because I’m in a process.’
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