Chucho rejects Russia
With rumours linking the top goalscorer of Liga MX to Russian outfit Lokomotiv, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see an inform Christian “Chucho” Benítez, migrate to the old continent.
José Gamarro, Chucho’s agent spoke out to the press today clearing up the situation. “Chucho has received a number of offers from Europe. Lokomotiv from Russia, were really pushing for him. Right now though, Christian wants to stay (with América)”.
Christian Became a father again for the third time yesterday after his wife gave birth to a girl. This was the first time he became a father whilst playing for América with the previous children being twins (boy and girl) born while he was at Santos. The birth of his new child could be one of the main reasons he decided to stay at Mexico, at least for the next 6 months.
Chucho’s efforts in América’s last Apertura campaign saw him achieve the Liga MX golden boot award with a total of 11 goals. Also sharing the spoils, Chilean striker Esteban Paredes of Atlante matched Chucho’s goal count on Matchday 17 (the last round).
Correcaminos reinforced in defence
After being released from Jaguares de Chiapas future plans, Ismael Fuentes always wanted to return to Mexican football. The Chilean centreback was recently linked with a move back to Mexico’s first tier of football.
Ismael now has a new objective after signing with Ascenso MX outfit, Correcaminos U.A.T. Fuentes said in a interview with the press, his aim and goal at Correcaminos is to help the side achieve promotion from the second tier of football in Mexico, to the first.
Correcaminos were labelled tremendous underachievers last season after narrowly missing out on a final play off spot. Despite being one of the biggest spenders in the promotion league, “The Road Runners” failed to find their form. With major signings such as ex-América player, Nicolás Olivera from Uruguayan outfit Bella Vista and ex-La Piedad star Roberto Nurse, a place in the finals was the minimum expected of the squad.
Now with the reinforcement in defence after the addition of Ismael, Correcaminos will be looking to make mends with their dissapointing Apertura campaign, in the Clausura.
A statue and niche in commemoration of Miguel Calero
Jesús Martínez spoke to Mediotiempo today about the death of the iconic Pachuca keeper, Miguel Calero and said he wants to make a statue in his commemoration. “We’ve already got it sorted out, we want to make a big statute in the University or stadium of Hidalgo, and form a school of goalkeepers in his name”. Remembering the positive attitude Miguel always had towards Pachuca and it’s people, Jesús began fighting back tears. “He wanted to do alot of social services, He had alot of dreams and was excited about working with Gabriel Caballero. He spoke to me just before everything happened and he told me ‘I just want the pre-tournament matches to begin. We’re going to do very well this year I can feel it.’ He was always supporting us and everybody at Pachuca” said Martínez.
Jesús Martínez, President of the Pachuca group.
Miguel Calero’s body is going to be incinerated on Monday and half of his ashes are going to his family and back to Colombia, the other half are staying in Pachuca where the board of directors are going to organise various tributes to the man who gave so much to the city. “He was like a son. Everybody here saw him as a brother. That’s what makes it so much more sad. We’ve lost somebody everybody saw as a brother. Somebody who gave so much not just to this club, but to this city. Without fear of making a mistake or regretting my words later, I’m going to say he was the most Iconic figure this club has ever had in its presence.”
Jesús was in a reflective state and began reminiscing on the first time Miguel first encountered thrombosis. “When we went to Minniesota to treat the Thrombosis in his arm back in 2007, I remember he told me: ‘I just have one thing I want to tell you. The only thing I want more than anything right now is to come back and play again’. That’s why we went over there and he later came back and played again”.
Martínez also thanked all the messages that was received to show support to the Club, Miguel’s Friends and Family. Messages were received from FIFA, CONMEBOL, Javier Hernández, Radamel Falcao, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, and Guillermo Ochoa amongst others, just to name a few.
Exert from MedioTiempo.com.
R.I.P. Miguel Calero <3
Roughly translated for non-spanish speakers.
“Being captain or not being captain, I feel I have an obligation to obide by with Pachuca. Not because of the players, not because of the manager, not because of the directors, but because of the people around the club. The kids and the fans”.
The following isn’t a common story, it’s a story full of love, passion and sacrifice. One of those stories that isn’t easily given up or achieved. One of those stories that gives us a message of life, morals, fighting for what you believe in and strength. One of those stories that gives us a thousand sensations that inspires us to better ourselves. One of those stories that can serve as an example of life. One of those stories that will be told over the years, over and over again. I once heard a saying, the important thing in life isn’t how much money we have nor how many cars and houses we have. What really is important is our legacy. What we choose to leave behind while we’re passing through this life. And you have given us your story. Yes You. “El Condor”, “El Gigante”, “El Show”, “El Heroe”, you have a thousand names we can call you by. But to us, you will always be known as Miguel, the friend. And just like what happens in the biggest stories through out history, they always have a start but never an ending. And to those who have forever lived happily, they will apply themselves perfectly to the story that we’re about to share about you. Because the happiness you left us with every moment you lived, have ensured that no matter what you’ll always be by our side. All of this started off at the beginning of this millenium. In 2000 you arrived at the heart of Hidalgo, with a mountain of dreams, three luggage bags, a few pieces of furniture and a thousand memories. And from there on we all began our journey into this marvellous dream. You eventually became something we all knew you would become, something completely different. A Champion. You formed a massive part of Pachuca and what it means to be a part of Pachuca today, a family. In your first season you showed the world what you could do with your arms. Although no cups were won, another battle was won. Pachuca were kept alive because of you. After two tournaments more went by, you stuck around for the same team, for the same city, for the same fans, for the same people, for the same story. You’ve moved us deeply, even when you scored goals. With the hat and all! The achievement of Pachuca’s first tournament was with out a doubt a huge sign of things to come and everything you would give to us. You quickly converted into an emblem. An inspiration for all our people, for all YOUR people. There was a special connection. The love was mutual, you for Pachuca and Pachuca for you. Your love for Pachuca was so big, that you even decided to become Mexican. You’ve been an absolute fundamental part of all the success and the reason we could ever dream about holding another Aztec trophy over our shoulders. You’ve given us something that nobody in Mexico was ever able to give anybody until this very day, La Copa Sudamericana (The South American Cup). Another championship, beating the so called “Giants”. Five international tournaments. Four from CONCACAF. More than three FIFA club world cups. And all of these accomplishments were achieved with the mentality that none of it was necessary for us to be happy. You were always so convinced that with every save, you would draw a smile from each and everyone of our fans. Hard moments also arrived and because of your strength, passion for what you do and the uniting of people that you encourage, you found a way to come out on top. Even though you knew it would be complicated, even though you knew it could risk you your life. But you know what you represent, what you mean to thousands of children out there. That’s why you picked yourself up. For that grand love that you have for life. Today Miguel, you have become a huge legend. “El Calero, Calero” will be sung from behind the goals by the crowd and fans for many more years, and your name will be perpetuated for many years to come, and I’m certain that our children and grandchildren will all hear about stories of a legend called… “El Condor”.
Pachuca fans sing one last good bye to their hero, Miguel Calero.
Miguel Calero’s family, friends and fans all gathered today for a final goodbye. Outside the funeral hall, Thousands of Pachuca fans were lined up and when the casket arrived, the chants began. “Venga Calero, Venga”. “Come with us Calero, Come with us”. The fans applauded and cheered the legendary keeper on as the vehicle with the casket drove by them and towards the hall. It was one last final goodbye for all the Pachuca fans to their idol. The man who pretty much helped Pachuca go from a recently promoted first division team into serious title contenders and even four time champions.
At one point the place was so full with fans, the funeral car was not able to reach the door. It was at that point that Jesús Martínez (President of Pachuca), Andrés Fassi (Vicepresident of Pachuca), Gabriel Caballero (The new technical director of Pachuca), alongside with a few of Miguel’s close relatives and friends, all carried the casket inside and into the Funeral hall.
When the casket was taken inside, the stand was decorated with crowns made of flowers, blankets stamped with each year he defended the goals for Pachuca and large candles. Inside the funeral hall there were hundreds of Miguel’s family, friends and ex-team mates, who were inconsolable for the loss of one of the greatest in Mexican football history. Efraín Flores, Federico Vilar & Fernando Salazar were just a few names of football friends and team mates who were present at the service.
Thousands of fans gathered around Miguel Calero’s funeral ceremony.
After the service was finished, final goodbyes were said to Miguel with lines extending outside. Hundreds of people waiting just to get one final glimpse at Miguel. Waiting in line were children wrapped in blankets, middle aged women crying inconsolably, but the Pachuca fans present at the funeral said their final goodbyes by singing and chanting for him just like they did all those times on the pitch. “Thank you Calero, we will never forget you” was sung throughout the night. Other fans simply brought blankets and sheets with their own messages on it for the Pachuca legend. “Calero, forever in our hearts” and “Today the heavens decided they wanted the best of the best and signed you into their realm. We will never forget you Calero” were just a few of the messages that were displayed by the heartbroken fans.
Despite being uncontrollably upset and inconsolable, the widow of Miguel Calero, Sandra Sierra greeted and thanked everybody who had went to the service. Whether it’s tears of happiness from remembering Miguel Calero and everything he had done or tears of despair due to his passing onto the next life, one thing’s for certain. Tonight the whole of Mexico are crying and those who know and appreciate his football and his contribution to the sport, probably are too.
Oribe Peralta won’t sacrifice a thing.
He’s the 2012 Olympic gold medal winner with Mexico and the 2012 Clausura champion with Santos Laguna, yet he says Europe can wait for now. In an interview with Mediotiempo, Oribe said he would rather wait for the right moment to go play in Europe instead of rushing into the decision. “I’d love to play there but I’m also perfectly content with where I’m at now. So when a Club does contact me to play for them I’ll need to make sure everything works out. If my wages are sorted out and the club is willing to pay out the rest of my contract to Santos then we’ll see what can happen. If not then I have no problem in staying with them (Santos Laguna) and wait for the right moment. I’m not prepared to sacrifice everything I have here, if the deal isn’t concrete”.
Oribe also talked about the recently deceased Miguel Calero. “Anybody who had played against him knows how much of a great player he was. It really impacts you when you think about it. He was so young, too young to suffer from the illness he received.” Aside from Oribe Peralta, his fellow team mates Mauro Cejas, Oswaldo Sánchez and Darwin Quintero all gave their condolences to the family and friends of the Ex-Pachuca and Colombia legendary Goalkeeper and lament his death.
Oribe Peralta with the Gold Medal after a sensational tournament in the 2012 London Olympics.
Liga MX Transfers
Today it was confirmed that Narciso Mina of Ecuador’s Barcelona S.C. has officially signed a three year contract that will see him at Club América until 2015.
Narciso Mina, Club América’s latest recruit.
Also today, David Toledo who had a less than impressive start to the season with underachievers Tigres U.A.N.L., was unveiled as Jaguares de Chiapas’ newest recruit to the squad. Chiapas did exceptionally well in the Apertura despite their slow start which came about due to a lack of power in offence. This most probably derived from the transfer of the Colombian goal scoring machine Jackson Martínez, last season. Jackson is currently playing for FC Porto of Portugal.
David Toledo new Chiapas reinforcement (left); Jackson Martínez ex-Chiapas star now Porto star (right).
Club América have allegedly opened negotiations with Monarcas Morelia and are attempting to bid for Colombian star Aldo Leao. América are rumoured to be willing to trade up to 2 of the 3 transferables for the Colombian. Should negotiations go through, the deal would see either “Rolfi” Montenegro, Rosinei, and/or “Chema” Cárdenas switch sides with Aldo Leao Ramírez.
América’s José María “Chema” Cárdenas (left), Adolfo Rosinei & Daniel Montenegro (centre), are all possible candidates for a rumoured trade deal with Monarcas Morelia for Aldo Leao Ramírez (Right).
Ángel Reyna is still causing doubts as to whether he will sign a contract and continue his playing career at Monterrey. If he does move it would likely be to Chivas de Guadalajara. Rumours linking him there have stirred controversy considering he was once the top goalscorer and star player for national rivals América.
Monterrey’s Ángel Reyna.
Tigres U.A.N.L. future prospect Jonathan Espericueta has voiced his desire to play in Europe and says if he doesn’t get an offer from the old continent, then a move to Costa Rica may well be on the cards. At the tender age of 18, Jonathan is keen on going ahead with a loan move to current Costa Rican champions Liga Deportiva de Alajuelense, in an attempt to find more playing time and progress his career.
Jonathan Espericueta playing for Tigres U.A.N.L.
Veteran and Mexican football legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco, today received news that he will not require surgery for his knee ligament injury which he suffered during the promotion league final clash between Dorados and La Piedad. This news means that “El Temo” will be out of action for approximately 2 months but will not be forced to retire as originally anticipated. Whether he stays at Dorados another season or not is unknown as he has been linked with a move to Monarcas Morelia and even a comeback to the Club of his heart, América. Being just shy of his 40th birthday, a move back to the first division would make him the oldest player in the league.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco played the full 30 minutes of extra time in the Ascenso MX final clash between Dorados and La Piedad, despite hyper extending his knee ligament in the 81st minute, which left him incapable of even walking, let alone running.
Miguel Calero scoring the winning goal for his side Pachuca, against Chivas de Guadalajara. The goal put Pachuca through to the final with an away goal advantage on a 4-4 aggregate result. Pachuca won the match at home 2-1 and lost at Jalisco 3-2. Thanks to this last second goal (literally) Pachuca had a chance to battle out the final against San Luis, which they did so and won.
R.I.P. Miguel Calero
Today it was confirmed one of football’s finest has passed on. After being hospitalised for 10 days due to cerebral thrombosis, it finally looked as though Miguel Calero was recovering from his condition. He then suffered from another stroke yesterday and was pronounced clinically brain dead. Unfortunately today, Miguel lost his battle after a cardiac arrest.
A football idol has left us today, but the legend of who he was and what he did is still ever so alive. It feels like yesterday where he scored the winning goal in the semi final’s against Chivas, which then enabled Pachuca to progress to the final and ultimately win it against San Luis. Without a doubt, one of my biggest Idol goalkeepers in Football. Today we celebrate his life. God needed a keeper of your calibre for the team of legends in Heaven and you will always be fondly remembered as a legend of the game. Que en paz descanses - May you rest in peace.
