The Millonarios champions say goodbye to Russo: “Your leadership made us believe”

Miguel Ángel Russo won two titles with Millonarios: a League (2017) and a Super League (2018).

Photo: Private Archive

Miguel Ángel Russo not only left titles in the teams he coached, but also a legacy of humanity that transcended football. The news of his departure deeply moved, especially Millonarios, the club with which he experienced one of the most significant stages of his career.

In Bogotá, the Argentine coach won the hearts of a fan who saw him raise the 15th star and face with integrity the illness that marked his last years. His most remembered phrase, “Everything is healed with love,” summarizes the spirit with which he approached his cycle as an ambassador strategist.

After his death was confirmed, the capital team spoke out on their networks thanking the person who left an indelible mark on the team's history by winning the Colombian soccer title in 2017, in a historic and memorable final against Santa Fe.

“Millonarios FC, its president, Enrique Camacho, president of the Board of Directors, Gustavo Serpa, the Board of Directors, the professional team, support and administrative body deeply regrets the death of Professor Miguel Ángel Russo, a close friend and legendary ambassador. We will always remember you,” the club published on its official channels.

Soccer players who were under the command of Professor Russo on the Bogotá team were added to the messages. One of the first to do so was the Uruguayan Nicolás Vikonis, Albiazul goalkeeper between 2015 and 2017.

“In your most vulnerable moment you taught us to be strong, what a joy to have enjoyed your example and advice. Rest in peace, Miguel, football is infinite you said, infinite like the gratitude and love with which we will remember you,” Vikonis published on his X account.

Russo directed the ambassador team between January 2017 and November 2018. In total, there were 111 games of the Albiazul team that he watched from the bench. It was just during his time in Bogotá that he was diagnosed with the cancer against which he fought for eight years.

“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.

That same phrase was referenced by Harold Santiago Mosquera, who is currently part of the ranks of the rival against whom the ambassadors won the final in 2017. “I will always remember you,” the Valle del Cauca native wrote in an Instagram story with the photo of Miguel Ángel.

In January 2018, Millonarios would again achieve a title in the Russo era by winning the Super League against Nacional. For health reasons, the Argentine could not direct in that series, so it was his assistant, Hugo Gottardi, who took over the reins temporarily.

Andrés Cadavid, who was the captain of that champion team, also spoke out after the departure of the experienced coach. He stressed that his legacy will live in the heart of every fan ambassador and defined him as more than a coach: as a teacher.

“Your leadership made us believe when few others did, and your example taught us that championships are built with character. (…) “You forged an era in Millonarios, a story that will be written in blue letters forever.”wrote the former Antioquia defender.

His partner in the central defense was Matías de los Santos, who posted in his stories a video of the last time they saw each other on a field. “I am left with this last hug and with everything that football allowed us to share,” commented the Uruguayan.

David Mackalister Silva, the only footballer from that team who still remains in the institution, published a photo with his former coach in which he thanked him and sent a message to his loved ones. “Thank you for everything. May God fill your family with strength.”

Among the footballers to whom the Argentine gave the opportunity to debut in the first team is Cristian Huérfano. “Eternally grateful for giving me the opportunity to play professional soccer, for the trust and everything I experienced,” he wrote to him that today he joins the ranks of the Bogotá Fútbol Club.

Defender Pedro Franco – a youth player from the ambassador team – also spoke out, who coincided with the teacher during the first six months of 2017. He thanked him for being an example and “leaving his mark with a life of values ​​and principles.”

His departure, at the age of 69, leaves an immense void, but also a legacy that will be eternal. While he was going through one of the hardest episodes of his life, he emerged champion with Millonarios. His name was forever recorded in the history of Colombian football.

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