Gianluca Lapadula, the man entrusted to the heights who wants to continue connecting with Peru

At the beginning of everything, the adaptation of Gianluca Lapadula to Peru -when he finally decided to abandon his dream of Italy and represent his mother’s country (and now his own)- caused many more doubts than certainties. But nothing so far from reality. The brave striker soon learned the lyrics and melody of the National Anthem to sing it from the heart. He did not take long to win the affection of his people with a huge and constant sacrifice on the court. When it was his turn to raise the red-and-white shield to 2,850 meters above sea level, in Quito, he was not afraid of the threat of running out of oxygen, nor was he intimidated in going up to 3,625 meters above sea level in La Paz. Now, the ‘Bambino’ – accustomed to the coast of Lima, but with these high-altitude experiences in other countries – wants to continue connecting with his Peruvian roots and for this reason he has traveled to Cusco, at 3,399 meters above sea level, outside his national comfort zone, where he had a warm welcome. And very deserved.

“The only thing I regret is not having known Peru before because it would have changed my life”Lapadula recognized some time ago in an interview with Gol Peru. The adventure of the Italian-Peruvian with the ‘Blanquirroja’ began a little -perhaps very- late. Seven years ago, when Ricardo Gareca set eyes on the striker, the offer to wear the national colors was rejected.

But history gave a necessary ‘plot twist’ at the end of 2020. With 30 years on him, the ‘Bambino’ decided to play for our country and nothing could stop him. Many, of course, questioned him for his late election. But his sacrifice for the selection and his love for our lands has grown so much all this time, that today no one dares to question him.

Lapadula arrived in Peru with abundant hugs and kisses that he gave unconditionally to his teammates. That special affection of the ‘Bambino’ today all Peruvians repay him, from various cities or districts, right now in Cusco.

Your adventure in Cusco

The loss to Australia in the playoffs was quite a blow, perhaps much more so than the innumerable blows Lapadula He suffered in the face in the middle of the road. The 32-year-old striker, instead of staying in Doha, much closer to Italy than Peru, decided to arrive in our capital with the whole group saddened by the elimination. A few days have already passed since the fateful June 13 and it is time to turn the page to continue on their journey.

Relatively unnoticed, Lapadula was able to leave Lima for Cusco with ease, but without knowing that cameras, shouts, applause, and much more awaited him in the ‘Imperial City’. In fact, hours before his arrival, the Alejandro Velasco Astete airport had already been bustling with people, who were eagerly waiting to see the striker for a few minutes. “The airport had to be closed due to the crowding”tells us Melissa Valdivia, correspondent of this newspaper in Cusco.

The five-star Hotel Monasterio was another point where a crowd of children, schoolchildren, youth and adults, formed to await the arrival of the ‘Bambino’. There, supposedly, the player was going to stay. Locals and strangers were waiting. Even foreign tourists asked “why all the fuss?” Lapadula was the answer. And, recognizing him, they also waited attentively for his presence.

Bars, songs and harangues in support of the ‘Bambino’ adorned the Cusco night. “There they sang the songs of Armonía 10, the ‘Cervecero’, the one who danced with (Christian) Cueva”details Melissa Valdivia.

Finally, Lapadula managed to arrive in Cusco along with his wife Alessia and other close relatives. A jean, a white shirt and a smile drawn on his face dressed the striker, who walked quickly through the airport protected by a large security staff.

The people, expectant, wanted to approach to the ‘baby’ to be able to chat with him and give him some presents. “They brought their chullos, ponchos, shirts from Peru that they wanted to deliver and give away”Melissa narrates. But it became impossible and the striker could hardly reciprocate a cheerful greeting to all those who were present.

The fans had to settle for shouting their messages of encouragement to our ‘9′. Even a young fan of Cienciano took the opportunity to ask Lapadula to play for the Cusco team. And that’s how the striker lived a special moment when he arrived at the ‘Imperial City’.

“At no time did I notice any kind of rejection for the whole issue of elimination. They all showed their affection for him, they were bars in favor of him. He has become a character quite loved, appreciated, by all ”Melissa tells us.

Lapadula He had to leave the airport briefly, but not before thanking those who applauded him inside and around it. Later, he got on the vehicle that was waiting for him and left with his family, but he did not arrive at the Hotel Monasterio, where another crowd was also waiting for him.

It was thought that the kid’ would stay in the center Cuzco, but finally his vehicle went to another province. He is in Huayllabamba, one of the seven districts of Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. His plan is to go to Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world, between today and tomorrow.

After, Lapadula You will continue to walk through many traditional places of the ‘Imperial City’. In fact, it was learned that the striker will spend five days in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and there are even rumors that the Provincial Municipality of the Cuzco he will decorate him and give him the keys to the city.

That way, the kid’ He continues to connect with his Peruvian roots and does so in a special season for Cusco: June is the city’s jubilee month. In the midst of the great tourist demand of this time, the scorer will be able to enjoy with his family very important festive activities for the country during this trip.

A tattoo dedicated to the country, a book about “his story, his goals, his blood” with a Peruvian cover and an adventure in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire continue to bring Gianluca Lapadula to its origins. In 2020 it all started, but Peru was always a vital part of it. And so it is reflecting.