Juan Fernando Quintero, in his presentation with América de Cali a few months ago.
Photo: América de Cali
Summary and Fast Informame
Listen to this article
Audio generated with Google
Finally, Juan Fernando Quintero's novel in América de Cali was ended. After a semester marked by sports disappointment and a closure wrapped in scandals, the Antioquia steering wheel was officially presented Thursday by River Plate, a team with which he will live his third cycle in Buenos Aires.
His departure from the scarlet cadre was surrounded by cross versions, especially because of the player's accusation, who alleged that the club did not fulfill the agreed economic commitments when he arrived from Racing de Avellaneda.
After several weeks of silence, and with the already official transfer, Marcela Gómez, president of America, gave her press conference version and was emphatic: “We want to make it clear that Juan Fernando Quintero's contract with América de Cali was fulfilled until the day of his departure, and that there is no pending debt with the player. His link with the institution ended formally and transparently, as corresponds to a professional relationship.”
The good business of América de Cali
Amid the media storm that unleashed the Quintero case, America ended up doing a round business. The club sold the player for a figure close to the USD $ 2.5 million and, as part of the agreement, Racing de Avellaneda conded a good part of the debt that the caleños still maintained for the transfer of Duván Vergara.
Although it had been warned that the Vallecaucano team could run out of weight for the signing of Quintero to River, due to alleged breaches with the player, that did not happen. By demonstrating that such breaches did not exist, River Plate had to deposit the transfer money.
“We consider his recent statements unfortunate, since from this presidency he always spoke with honesty, respect and total clarity during all the time he officiated as a club player. The interpretations that have arisen do not reflect the spirit with which his process was managed within the institution,” Gomez added.
However, the leader also took a moment to say goodbye to the midfielder with a gesture of gratitude: “We recognize the talent and contribution of Juan Fernando Quintero during her passage through América de Cali. We know that she has a deep affection for another club, which we fully respect. Like any professional player, she has the right to evaluate her future and make decisions that respond to her personal and sports interests.”
For his part, the player also said goodbye to the team and his fans with a conciliatory message: “I want to thank the entire city of Cali from heart and especially the fan of America. They received me very well and gave me a lot of love at a difficult time in my life.”
America is not sold: Marcela Gómez
During the same press conference, Marcela Gómez took the opportunity to deny other information that has circulated in the American environment. In particular, he denied any sale operation of the club: “In relation to rumors about a possible sale of the club, I want to be categorical: América de Cali has not been sold. We want to reiterate that América de Cali has a solid compliance system that protects institutional interests and its shareholders. We reject any attempt to misinformation that wants to destabilize the club.”
In addition, the Scarlet President confirmed the fans' return to the southern gallery of the Pascual Guerrero stadium, as well as the entry of musical instruments, something that had been suspended since the riots that occurred in December, during the Betplay Cup final against Atlético Nacional.
The new semester starts with promises of stability, although many doubts by the fans. It is clear that the echoes of the Quintero case will continue to resonate for a while.
🚴🏻⚽🏀 The latest in sports?: Everything you should know about world sport is in the spectator
