The current Boca coach died this Wednesday at the age of 69, after spending weeks in a delicate state of health.
Argentine football says goodbye to one of its great references: Miguel Ángel Russo. At 69 years old, the former player and technical director left an indelible mark on the history of national sports. A man with a low profile, a fair word and a respect that transcended t-shirts, Russo was for decades synonymous with coherence, work and humility.
From player to idol in Estudiantes
Born in Lanus in 1956, Russo He spent his entire career as a footballer in Students of La Plataa club with which he played more than 400 games between 1975 and 1988. A firm defender with great tactical reading, he was part of a Pincha team that knew how to regain prominence in the argentine soccer after the golden period of the seventies. He retired with the white-red shirt, establishing himself as a symbol of the institution.
A career as a coach marked by titles
As a coach, Russo He lived one of the most extensive and respected careers in South American football. Led large teams of Argentina as Boca Juniors, San Lorenzo, Racing, Vélez and Rosario Centralin addition to several steps outside, especially in Colombiawhere he left a strong mark.
His highest point on the bench came in 2007when he drove to Boca Juniors to win the Libertadores Cupwith a Riquelme in a state of grace. That title placed him in the gallery of technicians who knew how to win the most desired trophy on the continent.
In Colombia, Russo was champion with Millionaires and became a character much loved by the Bogotá fans. In Argentina, he also won local titles, but above all recognition for his ability to put together competitive teams and for his people skills.
The man off the court
Beyond the trophies, Russo He was always valued for his chivalrous style. He never lost his composure, even in difficult moments, and defended the idea that football should be lived with passion but also with respect.
In recent years, he had to face serious health problems, which forced him to run during moments of activity. Even so, he returned every time he could, demonstrating the strength that characterized him on and off the court.
Legacy of a football gentleman
Miguel Ángel Russo He leaves an inheritance that exceeds numbers and titles. A guy loved by his colleagues, respected by rivals and loved by the fans of every club he visited is leaving. In times where football is usually riddled with controversy and confrontation, Russo represented the opposite: silent work, conviction and dignity.
He argentine soccer He loses a reference, but his name will remain engraved among those who made sport more than a game: a school of values.
Source: Ambito
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