The consul of footballers

Alejandro Alonso Sainz spends his last days in Barcelona as Consul General in Catalonia of the Argentine Republic after eight years in office. With a census of one hundred and fifty thousand citizens of Argentina, it is the largest in the state of Spain because it covers the communities of Catalonia, Valencia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands and even the Principality of Andorra. Their back to Buenos Aires It is expected to be almost a round trip, as the imminent return to Europe with the rank of Ambassador is expected, certainly between the embassies of Madrid or Rome as next destinations.

Like most Argentines, Alonso He loves soccer and his colors are the albicelestes of Racing Club de Avellaneda, a shirt he usually gives to his friends and that is a tribute to the same color of the national team. Racing fans, such as the Consul, are proud of the President Stadium But, known as the cylinder, has fifty -five thousand spectators the third largest capacity in the country, behind the River Plate Monumental and Boca Bombonera. But the entity’s great success began in 1967 when, by beating Celtic Glasgow 1-0 at the Montevideo Centenario, in the third playoff game of the Intercontinental Cup, it became the first Argentine team to reach the highest world championship. . level. The fight is still remembered for the extreme brutality with which the Argentines were used, especially. A total of six were expelled, surprisingly four Scots and one of them, Bertie Auld, refuses to leave the field, stays on the pitch until the end of the match. The winning goal did not come until the second period and was scored by ‘Chango’ Cárdenas.

Despite intense rivalry between Karera and Independiente fans at Avellaneda, Alexander Alonso He has always known how to keep the distance between Barça and Spain equal, because on both teams he has had good friends. His presence alternates between Camp Nou and RCD Stadium, but in many instances far from the formalities of the box, to live together as another fan on the stands. From his previous stint in Barcelona as Commercial Vice-Consul, he had a great friendship Leo Messi and his family, especially his father, Jorge. One that is always available for any advice. Want another Argentine Mascherano Y saviolaSi, currently living in Andorra, had a very good relationship with him.

As in the parakeet side the friendship is forged Paul Zabaleta and the Cholo Martin Posse, one of the owners of the successful restaurant ‘9 Reinas’, frequented by the consul. But the football friendship I cultivate the most is that Mauricio Pochettino, inseparable and considered his second brother and frequently visited England during his time as coach at the Premier, at Southampton and at Tottenham. And for the last year and a half in Paris, where Mauricio He worked as coach of Paris Saint Germain.

He also lived football during his diplomatic period in Catalonia as a point of connection between Argentine residents through subsidiary tournaments, as is known in football clubs, with tough battles which culminate in corresponding barbecue can not be lost. For his tremendous empathy, those who knew him will be missed Alexander. A great man we hope to see again soon. Thank you all son, good you came.