There are many stories that involve Pablo Escobar with football. It was always said that this sport was one of his great passions. And there are more and more former footballers who dare to say that they knew him. That is the case of Julio César Uribe, a historic player of the Peruvian national team nicknamed the 'Diamond'.
In an interview for Trome's 'La Fe de Cuto' program, the Peruvian legend revealed that she met the mafia kingpin when she played in Colombia. He also told anecdote when he directed Junior from Barranquilla and his relationship with Ricardo Gareca, whom he had as a partner in America from Cali.
“When I arrived in Barranquilla (as a player) I asked about the massage table... and they pointed out a bench. Mommy dear! I came from Italy... and not to mention the shower. But when you have simplicity, you adapt. I empathized with everyone and we enjoyed it through the game,” he said of his time in 'coffee' football.
“I was leading Junior and I heard two shots on the side of the bench. I repeated the tricks of other coaches. When they win the game, they put your balls inside the court to make time. Then I did it too, but they got uncomfortable and I heard: 'bam, bam' (laughs)”, said Julio César Uribe.
After that, they asked him if he got to know Pablo Escobar. “Once we were invited to play... and yes, I met him. They called us to play and gave us all a little gift (laughs). We played, he greeted everyone and then we didn't know anything”, he released.
“I have always been treated well in Colombia. The only thing I always do is thank you for all the treatment in all the teams I played (Junior, America, Envigado and Medellin),” said Julio César Uribe.
Finally, he talked about his former partner Ricardo Gareca. “There was always a good relationship with him. The last time I spoke to him, I said, 'You were the scorer until I got there' (laughs). That year (1987) I scored 18 goals in America. I had a great team. We were runners-up in Copa Libertadores”, he closed.
Julio César Uribe, trained and loved at Sporting Cristal, was an outstanding player in the 80s. He qualified with Peru for the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He played for teams in Italy, Colombia and Mexico. He retired in 1994 to become a coach. His last job was in 2021, when he couldn't avoid the descent with Alianza Universidad de Huánuco (he took it on the way).