Interviews

Buonanotte ready to help Barco settle in Brighton

Valentin signed for Albion from Boca Juniors last month.

By Charlie Hanson • 16 February 2024

By Paul Hazlewood
Valentin Barco is an Argentina Under-23 international.

Facundo Buonanotte has reflected on his start to life with Albion after his countryman Valentin Barco joined the club last month.

The former Rosario Central player arrived at the Amex in January 2023, and has scored three times in 29 Premier League outings for Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

Asked what he would do differently when he came to the club, the 19-year-old reckons he would ensure he absorbed as much as possible from day one.

By Paul Hazlewood
The Argentinian has made 36 appearances in all competitions so far during his Albion career.

“The first thing is to study English, obviously. Don’t miss a day,” Facundo said. “And then that you are keen to learn, that you always want more, that you don’t settle for what you have.

“To train a lot and try to be as ready as possible for the coach to bear you in mind as soon as possible. Make the process take as little time as possible.

“And surround yourself with family and friends. At first, I didn’t enjoy it because I’m close to my family but my family were far away.

By Paul Hazlewood
Facundo Buonanotte has been with Albion since January 2023.

"I got home and I didn’t know what to do. It was very different.

“If anyone came here [in a similar situation] I’d try to give them my support. whatever they needed. If they wanted to go out for a coffee, for a chat, to do whatever, I would always be ready to help in any way.

“I think that is the way to help, especially a young boy who doesn’t know the language.”