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Chelsea new boy Juan Cuadrado was just four when his father was killed

Football

By Mirror | Feb 03, 2015

Cuadrado signed for Chelsea on transfer deadline day

Chelsea's transfer day deadline signing Juan Cuadrado was left traumatised by the murder of his dad when he was just FOUR years old.

Cuadrado hid under the bed as armed gunman mowed down his father in their native Colombia.

The Blues £26.8m signing was brought up by his mum after the appalling tragedy.

Cuadrado's parents heard the sound of gunfire and ordered him to hide.

When he emerged from his hiding place his dad Guillermo had been fatally injured.

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The gunmen were never brought to justice.

His mum Marcela said: “Perhaps the death of his dad made him grow up quicker.”

As Cuadrado grew up in Colombia in the early 1990s violence among the notorious drugs gangs was rife.

Family and friends said because of his upbringing he was only too aware of how lucky he was to move to Europe to sign for Italian clubs Udinese, Fiorentina and then his big money move to London.

His mum Marcela is set to move to England to live with her son.

He speaks only a little English but said through an interpreter last night: “I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity.

"This is a great club and honestly it is like a dream to join the Chelsea family and to know that the manager believes in me. I’m happy."

Chelsea were thought to have been interested in Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Douglas Costa, but opted for Cuadrado due to his versatility, as he can play at right-back or in midfield, as well as his regular wing position.

And Cuadrado admitted that the chance to work with boss Jose Mourinho was a big factor in his decision to join.

"It is really going to be brilliant to work with one of the best coaches anywhere in the world," he added. "I’m very proud to be playing for him and I think he is going to help me grow into a better player.

When asked what his goals are Cuadrado added: "We are a big club, so winning important things. Playing for this team, the league championship is I think the most important thing.

"As for everything else, Chelsea have big players so we want to win big things."

Cuadrado starred in last year's World Cup for Cololmbia.