Jefferson Farfán: how he ran out of space in Alianza and the great tribute that they will pay him in Matute

While the newsrooms are agitated with the news that Jefferson Farfán, one of the last idols of Alianza Lima and the Peruvian National Team, hangs up his boots, the great truth is that the ‘Foquita’ spends these days glued to the World Cup in the company of his children . She relaxes in front of the television, with the marathon of games and also exercising with Adriano, who at fifteen, wants to emulate him.

But his retirement from football is not a rumor, but a truth that has not yet been told. News that the club and the player want to give at the most opportune moment. We are not talking about one more player, but about the second goalscorer in the history of the Blanquirroja, with 27 goals. The striker who caused an earthquake, in the playoff against New Zealand that brought us back to the World Cups after 36 years. The skilled man who took his football through the Netherlands, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Russia, and won it all. Or almost everything. Someone who was in the elite.

For this reason, Alianza Lima, as an institution, has always been careful with him. To such an extent that it overwhelmed the patience of a large sector of the fans who, although they recognized his merits, did not compromise with the fact that the footballer received his salary on time without having completed even half-time in the year. The two-time championship calmed the waters. And gratitude returned.

Although the relationship with Guillermo Salas has been excellent since the time they played for Alianza Lima, “Chicho” made the decision not to count on him for the next season. The conversation took place on the best of terms despite the fact that Jefferson Farfán has had a hard time understanding a harsh truth: that no matter how hard he tries his knees will never be the same again. That he already gave everything he could and that the healthiest thing is to leave as a champion, instead of exposing himself to blunders.

‘Chicho’ Salas’ plan is to renew the squad with two very clear purposes: to win the three-time championship and, finally, round off a decent Copa Libertadores. And with dignity it is understood, not only to end that lousy record of accumulating 21 games without winning in the continental tournament, but to move on from the group stage. And that can only be achieved with goals, and elements in full.

The striker who has been targeted is the Colombian Pablo Sabbag, from La Equidad, who had a brief stint in Argentine soccer at Estudiantes de La Plata and Newell’s Old Boys. He is a ‘9’, 25 years old, left-handed, trained in the Deportivo Cali youth academies, with a great presence in the area (he measures almost 1 meter 90), but who also knows how to collect himself and unload with his teammates. He is the one chosen to be the ‘9’ of the Cup. Hernán Barcos, an absolute reference, could eventually accompany him in attack, but he would have a greater role in the local tournament.

To this is added the renewal of Aldair Rodríguez who, despite all the criticism for his low goal, is to the taste of Salas, who trusts his worth in height, but also in his physique to wear down rival defenses. In 2023, two strikers from the blue and white youth academies who have long deserved minutes will have more opportunities: Sebastien Pineau, who will turn 20 in January, and Juan Pablo Goicochea, who will also be of legal age from January. Wilmer Aguirre, another club history, another son of the house, also ended their relationship. Today it was officially announced. Alianza Lima will face 2023 with only one of the three veterans that he had on his payroll for the last two years: Hernán Barcos.

What awaits Jefferson Farfán? A tribute to his height. There are two possibilities: that a farewell party is organized for him in the summer or that it be the Blue and White Night, his stellar night. This option is the most powerful. From what was said by the Blue and White Fund, Farfán will continue to be linked to Alianza Lima. Not as a coach, since the player has said on several occasions that he does not have the profile, but as an ambassador. Be that as it may, he will go through the front door despite everything. He will say goodbye as a two-time champion.