Miguel Ángel Russocoach Boca Juniors and legendary figure on the benches in Argentina and Colombia, died this Wednesday at the age of 69 in Buenos Aires.
Russo died after a long battle against prostate cancer, and his death became the topic of the day in Argentina, above the political and economic problems that affect the government of Javier Milei.
‘Even good guys die: why everyone loved Miguel Ángel Russo’, was the title of the obituary in ‘Clarín’, the most read newspaper in the country, in a good summary of what the figure of Russo was, who between 1998 and 1999 directed the Salamanca Sports Union in the Spanish League.
“He didn’t give up and people realized it. They applauded him in respectful silence because, even though he was battered, he continued working until the end. That’s what he wanted. Like those actors who say they want to die on stage, Miguel died directing,” he wrote. Daniel Lagares.
Boca, the team he led to win the Copa Libertadores In 2007, he said goodbye with a heartfelt statement: “Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our institution and will always be an example of joy, warmth and effort.”
Russo, with a great past as a midfielder, was one step away from playing in the 86 World Cup in Mexico, which Argentina would end up winning. Diego Maradona y Carlos Bilardo.
Winner of 11 titles as a coach, Russo was twice champion in the Argentine tournament as a player, wearing the Students of La Platathe team that made it great. Another team in which he was an idol is Rosario Centralwhich he promoted to the First Division in 2013 and led the first division to the title ten years later, in 2023.
Millionaires of Bogotáwhom he made twice champion, also said goodbye to the Argentine, who had great affection for that country: “I am grateful to the Colombians for the respect I received. The Colombian has a very great respect for you, that is why I love them so much.”
Other Argentine teams, such as Velez Sarsfield y San Lorenzo They said goodbye to Russo, whom they defined as a “warrior and gentleman of football.”