He was an Argentine soccer champion and is now the owner of five nursing homes.

Technical directors, journalists, leaders, farmers, musicians, gastronomics, are some of the many professions to which a footballer dedicates himself after the difficult stage of retirement. However, despite thousands of stories related to the lives of players after hanging up their boots, this one is somewhat particular: Today he owns nursing homes.

Born in Rosario on April 13, 1981, Luciano “Tano” Vella He had an important time in Argentine football. He became champion of a local tournament, rose through the ranks with one of the greats of Argentine soccer and now dedicates himself to a very different life compared to when he was seen glued to the white line playing as a full-back.

What was Luciano Vella’s football career like?

Vella debuted in Newell’s Old Boys in 2001, and his performance as a defender led him to be part of the team champion in the 2004 Apertura Tournament. That team led by Américo “Tolo” Gallego and with figures such as Ariel Ortega, Fernando Belluschi, Justo Villar, Sebastián Domínguez, among others, remained in the history of the Rosario club. His defensive solidity and ability to go up on the attack stood him out, and he soon attracted the attention of other important clubs.

In 2006, Vella moved to Europe, where he played for the Cadiz of Spain and in the FC Vaslui of Romania. However, his time abroad was not entirely positive, facing financial difficulties since the Romanian team did not pay him and even threatened him with death. After a few years in the old continent he returned to the country.

Back in his country, Vella played for Independiente and then for Sarandí Arsenal. In 2011, he became a player of River Platewhere he lived one of the most significant moments of his career: promotion to the First Division after a season in the National B. His time at River was intense, and although the pressure and media exposure were high, Vella always highlighted the magnitude of the experience. “Playing for River made me click: I felt like Mick Jagger. In Buenos Aires everyone knew me on the street when in Rosario it was not like that,” commented the former player in La Nación. In 2013 he had to look for new directions after Ramon DiazMillonario’s coach at that time, do not take it into account.

During his career, Vella also played for Union and Defense and Justice. In 2017, after a brief stay at Sarandí Arsenaldecided to retire from professional football at the age of 36.

Luciano Vella’s new life after his retirement from football

In 2011, during his time in River, Vella and his friend Matías Pavoni decided to invest in their first nursing home in Rosario. Without previous experience in the sector, Vella applied the same discipline and method as in his sports career. “I always knew that I was not going to be a coach or anything like that. I don’t like it, it’s not my thing. Furthermore, this activity that I have takes a lot of time,” said Vella in an interview for La Capital, who currently manages five residences with a total of 300 residents.

Vella’s routine has changed drastically since his days on the playing field. Now, their day is meticulously organized to ensure the well-being of their residents, especially when it comes to medication. “I have my entire week scheduled and those that come as well,” commented Vella, who is personally responsible for supervising that all residents receive their medications correctly.

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Vella highlights the reward of working with older adults, describing the nursing home environment as a second family. “Grandparents see you arrive and it’s like you’re a family member. It’s very gratifying to see them happy,” shared the former soccer player. In addition, the exRiver innovated in the traditional structure of nursing homes, implementing daily activities to keep residents active and motivated.

Luciano Vella is not only in charge of the administration of the nursing homes, but also maintains close contact with the residents. The personalized attention and care he provides to seniors has become an integral part of his life. “At first, I was very affected by the departure of a resident, but over time I learned to handle it better. Still, every loss is difficult,” he confessed.

Looking back, Vella reflected on his career with pride, although he admits he was bitter about not being able to retire at Newell’s. “I retired when I was youngHe was physically very good. I had proposals to continue, but it was more to renounce than to enjoy football,” he explained. Although he does not plan to return to the world of football, Vella does not hesitate to affirm that he would be a footballer again if he could start again.