Renowned international players who were almost part of the Boca Juniors squad and left a story of what could have been.
Boca Juniors has been the scene of countless transfer stories and rumors. Over the years, many world stars were linked to the club, and some of them were on the verge of making their arrival a reality. However, for different reasons, those dreams did not come true.
Among the great figures who came very close to wearing blue and gold are Ronaldo, Gattuso and Pirlo. Each of these stars, with their own reasons and circumstances, was about to join the xeneize institution, but finally destiny took them on other paths.
The world stars who almost played for Boca Juniors
Ronaldo
In the mid 90s, Boca Juniors had the opportunity to sign a young Ronaldo Nazário de Lima. At only 17 years old, the Brazilian was already dazzling with his talent in Cruzeiro and emerging as the “new Pelé.” However, César Luis Menottiteam coach at the time, He didn’t see in him what others saw.. The coach preferred John Jairo Tréllez, a Colombian striker who failed to make his mark on the club.
That Libertadores was a disaster for the institution, which finished last in its group, and fate wanted The xeneize team will face Ronaldo in the same phase. The Brazilian not only He beat Boca in La Bombonerabut also showed his class and potential in the return match in Belo Horizonte. Later, Menotti referred to Ronaldo, already established as a football icon, saying that he did not understand some aspects of his game. Despite the criticism, the footballer’s talent was never in doubt.
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Genaro Gattuso
Genaro Gattuso, world champion with Italy in 2006, was another of the big names who almost joined Boca Juniors. In 2012, the midfielder received an approach from the Argentine clubwho had the intention of signing him through Pablo Budna, technical secretary of Xeneize. However, the dream of seeing the Italian in La Bombonera did not materialize, since the world figure He decided not to move to Argentina due to his personal situation..
The steering wheel admitted that His wife did not agree with the move. and that it was not the right time, given that their children were young. Despite having clashed with Boca in international competitions, such as the 2003 Intercontinental and the 2007 Club World Cup, Gattuso’s dream completely faded when he moved to FC Sion in Switzerland.
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Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo, one of the best midfielders of his generation, was also close to wearing the Boca Juniors shirt. In 2015, the Argentine club made attempts to sign himtaking advantage of the good relationship between Carlos Tévez and Daniel Osvaldoboth former Juventus players and teammates of the Italian. The rumor of his arrival caused excitement among fans, but it never went beyond being a dream.
Despite the interest, Pirlo decided to continue his career in the MLSplaying for New York City FC. Although some Boca players expressed their desire to see him at La Bombonera, the signing never materialized. Thus, the elegant midfielder, world champion with Italy, continued on his way away, leaving only a rumor in the club’s history.
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Source: Ambito
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