Miguel Ángel Russo died: mourning in South American football

Miguel Ángel Russo left an indelible memory in Bogotá. He achieved two titles with Millonarios.

Photo: Cristian Garavito

Football says goodbye to Miguel Ángel Russo, who died at the age of 69 after a long fight against cancer.

The Argentine coach leaves an indelible legacy both in his country and in the teams he led throughout his career. four decades of career on the benches.

a champion

Born in Lanús in 1956, Russo was first a soccer player. He served as midfielder and spent his entire professional career in the ranks of Students of La Plata. Between 1983 and 1985 he had the opportunity to wear the shirt of the Argentina national team on 17 occasions.

He made his debut as a coach in 1989. He achieved continental glory in 2007 by winning the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniorsled by Juan Román Riquelme, and was the protagonist of multiple successful campaigns in clubs such as Lanús, Estudiantes, Vélez Sarsfield and Rosario Central.

“Everything is healed with love”

In Colombia he left a deep and indelible mark. At the beginning of 2017, it reached Millionaires to take the reins of a team that had not been champion for almost five years. He also directed in Chile, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay and Saudi Arabia.

That same year, in the midst of his fight against a bladder and prostate cancerwho was diagnosed during his stay in the country, Russo led the ambassador team to the Finalization Tournament title, defeating its classic rival Santa Fe in an unforgettable final.

Shortly after, in 2018, he added the Super League to his record, also with the blue club, after defeating Atlético Nacional in Medellín.

At this consecration, Miguel Ángel could not accompany the team because he was undergoing treatment, so Hugo Gottardihis assistant, was in charge of the first team.

“Everything is healed with love”he said in one of his most memorable phrases during his time in Millonarios. In Bogotá, where he was received with affection and gratitude by the albiazul partisanship. His figure became synonymous with strength and resilience. Watching the ball roll made him feel better.

Return to Argentina

After Colombia he had steps through Alianza Lima in Peru and Cerro Porteño in Paraguay. Russo returned to Argentina in 2020, where he continued directing and adding chapters in teams such as Boca Juniors, Rosario Central and San Lorenzo.

In the middle of this year he returned to Boca to face his third stage in the team. Riquelme, president of the club, called him to lead the xeneize in the Club World Cup. As time went by, his visits to the doctor became more and more frequent.

In recent days, the iconic coach's health has deteriorated. After fighting his illness for eight years, he passed away. After hearing the news of his death, various condolences and expressions of affection arrived, as he left his mark in different parts of the continent.

From The Spectator We deeply regret the passing of Miguel Ángel Russoa real champion of liferemembered not only for his titles, but for his example, his teachings and his human quality on and off the field. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends and the entire football community who today say goodbye to a man who He left his mark on every team and every heart he touched.

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