‘Tarzan’, ‘Hierarchy’ or Puyol?
This is the country in which I have been given the most nicknames. I see that they call me ‘Hierarchy’, Puyol, but it doesn’t bother me. They also call me ‘Cachín’, but it doesn’t bother me at all.
Have you always played central?
Yes, in my beginnings, although I also played several games as a midfielder, as a ‘5’, luckily it went well for me. It was the only change I had in my career, after that I was always central.
You played in your country, Argentina, Ecuador and now Peru. Was it difficult to adapt to university?
Beyond the professional, I consider myself a good person. Here is a fantastic human group. I hope to continue down that path.
Any player you always followed in soccer?
I always liked Carlos Gamarra. When I was little I watched him play, I always wanted to be like him.
Did you have Jorge Amado Nunes referenced?
Yes, I heard of him. When I got to the ‘U’ it was the first thing they told me. I know that he came out champion, he was also a coach and he is highly respected here.
The objective is none other than to leave a mark as a foreigner…
I hope so, I’m going to contribute mine to the club. The objective is to be champion, but there is still a long way to go, many games to play. We are focused on the match that is coming against Alianza Atlético and we don’t think about beyond. Hopefully what we want so much happens.
The wish is also to play in 2024, the year of the club’s Centenary…
Yes, obviously it is a giant club. I feel part of the club. I will do my best so that the board of directors comes over and we can talk.
Did you imagine the greatness of University?
I played for Cerro Porteño and Barcelona, two big clubs in South America, but this is where I felt the most support from the people. Not to sell smoke, but I’m honest. In the club where I have had the most people in favor is in Universitario.
How do you feel playing with 50,000 home fans?
It’s lovely. Let’s hope that the ‘U’ fans continue to support us so that we can also motivate ourselves and continue giving joy.
Your debut with the ‘U’ against Unión Comercio, in Moyobamba, was not auspicious. You received criticism, but today you receive applause from the fan…
I tell you the truth, I never looked at that (criticism), I kept working. I’m not looking for excuses or anything, but I did keep working in silence and the results are showing.
What is the feeling of the fan in the streets?
I usually go out with my wife and they approach me to ask me for photos, videos. People recognize me, although I’m not one to go out much. That is gratitude.
You adapted to the 3-5-2 system. Have you played like this before at another club?
Actually, in my career I played very few games with that lineup, but you always work thinking that the coach has to decide. In this case, Professor Jorge Fossati came to implement his game and we adapted to that.
Alianza Lima is the leader of the Opening Tournament…
I don’t think much about Alianza, more I’m focused on the ‘U’, but the thorn of the classic remains. In football there are rematches. At some point we will meet again.
What partner do you observe with a projection on the ‘U’?
I see the group with a terrible ambition. Then, personally, those who have a long way to go are Piero Quispe, Nelson Cabanillas and José Rivera. They are hungry for glory. There are several young people who have a terrible projection.
At a certain stage of your career you were close to playing for your team…
Yes, there was a moment. I thought they were going to call me. I felt strong physically. It was when I was in Ecuador (Barcelona) and I played in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. I am also aware that there are high level players, but I will continue working for my family and Universitario.
They play this Sunday, Mother’s Day, but in Paraguay it’s the next day…
I love my mother, she knows how I feel about her. Hopefully on Sunday she can score a goal or win to cheer her up.
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