In the Korean League, having just come from a poor area of Colombia to a developed Asian country, Palacios was curious about everything, his favorite being the Korean self-service coffee machine, which he was delighted with, and the chain store Salmon which let him linger because the store would give him a free drink after consumption. In addition, the Korean players let Palacios call him his big brother, which is letting Palacios go out to live in a hotel, although "bullied", Palacios is willing to live in a "crib" because he thinks that, compared to life in Colombia, is already very happy.
In South Korea, he gradually became successful. With his contribution of 16 goals and 6 assists in two seasons in the K2 League, he was bought out by top-flight side Pohang Ironmen for $840,000, the most expensive transfer of his career. Since then, Palacios has been valued at a maximum of $650,000 thanks to his five goals and six assists in a single season in the 2020 K-League season.
China is at the lowest point of its life
Only fate played a joke on him again.In the 2021 season, he scored only one goal in 26 matches for Pohang Ironmen in the K-League and was eventually dumped by the team.Seongnam in the K-League brought him in. After one season, he did not renew his contract with the team. Luckily, Chengdu Rongcheng, coached by Seo Jung-won, threw him an olive branch, and he opened a new challenge - going to China.
Compared to other foreign stars, Palacios, who came to China, is obviously much more low-key. His poor background has kept him simple and frugal. Although his income is on the rise, he has opted for China's "domestic cars" to pick up his children, and he will use a more convenient scooter for training. While other foreigners in Chengdu rent high-end apartments, Palacios saves money by choosing cheaper, more ordinary apartments.
Palacios also works hard on the pitch, but his fate is always bumpy. Last season, Palacios could only play as a substitute most of the time, and despite his hard work, Chengdu Chengdu still opted for the overlapping but more famous Andrigo and Romulo, dropping Palacios before the start of the new season.
However, half a year without a ball game, was Chengdu Chengdu loan to Shijiazhuang, this is the lowest point of his career, but Palacios never complained, he patiently waited for the opportunity. Finally, coach Xu Zhengyuan was determined to replace Andrigo with the serious "Black Doll", whose diligence and tolerance finally brought him to the turning point.
Back to the Top: Finding a Happy Home in China
Back at CSL, Palacios quickly regained his form and exploded in the 21st round at home against Changchun Yatai. He contributed three goals and an assist, and was directly involved in all four of his team's goals in a 4-0 defeat. His name is also included in the team's history. He has now been officially recognized by the CSL, suppressing much of the fame and value that far surpasses his foreigners, winning the honor of being the best player of the single round.
Adversity often inspires people to create miracles. Palacios came out of adversity and experienced failure in Europe and the ups and downs of life in Korea. Now, at the age of 31, Palacios has finally been reborn, becoming a popular star in the Chinese Super League and one of the Chengdu fans' favorite foreigners.
Palacios' five goals and two assists in seven games in the Chinese Super League this season put him at the pinnacle of his career in 2020, surpassing his greatest season in South Korea. After 10 years with nine teams and through four national leagues, he has finally found his safest and happiest home in China.
