Leonel Álvarez broke when talking about Freddy Rincón's state of health: “I'm crying inside”

Leonel Álvarez was another member of the historic litter of the Colombian national team that qualified for three consecutive world championships (1990-1998). The former Antioquia footballer played 101 matches with the 'Tricolor' shirt, positioning himself as the fifth player who played the most commitments in the 'Cafetero' team.

During his time with the Colombian national team, Leonel forged a very close friendship with Freddy Rincón, who is hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Imbanaco clinic, in Cali, after his serious traffic accident early Monday. And, in the midst of uncertainty, Álvarez spoke to the media on Tuesday and expressed the pain he feels for the moment that the 'Colossus of Buenaventura' is going through.

“It's a great pain, because in a while ago we lived the departure of Andrés (Escobar) and now with this delicate moment of Freddy (Rincon). So it's hard because I had him for many years as a roommate, there are many anecdotes, it's an immense pain and I don't accept what happened to him. Images passed me through WhatsApp and I didn't want to see them,” he said in the first place.

In addition, he said that, when Rincón made his debut at Independiente Santa Fe, he already had a place in the Colombia national team. However, “I had a feeling that I was going to take my place and I sought to change my position,” added Álvarez, noting that the physical portent of the 'Colossus' allowed him to become a very complete player.

“Reaching Real Madrid is not easy, he had a great race, he was a leader on and off the court, a supportive partner and he showed a lot of quality. We didn't see each other a long time ago, but we talked often on the phone, I was happy to see me directing again,” said the former footballer of teams such as Atlético Nacional, Real Valladolid and America de Cali.

We are very sad, in our hearts there is a lot of sadness, and I am crying inside. This is not easy, but we ask many prayers for him. (...) From a distance, we are with his family, we must be very strong, there is always a light and since there is hope, we will be praying and sending him a lot of positive energy, all of Colombia is united and we are waiting for good news. We have the faith!” he added to the media.

Finally, Leonel spoke about Rincón's long-remembered goal against the German team in the 1990 World Cup: “We made that move by Italy 90 from the room, we talked a lot and I remember that it was very similar to the one we did against Argentina in 5-0. There are many memories, when I went to Cali, we shared a lot.”

Another historical reference for the Colombian team that spoke after the accident of the 'Colossus' was Faustino Asprilla. In the middle of ESPN Colombia's 'Equipo F' program, where he works as a panelist, 'Tino' confessed that Rincón is like a brother to him and recalled important dates in which they shared:

“Very sad, very confused because Freddy always spent a lot of time with me, especially at Christmas and on birthdays. It never failed me,” said the former striker 'Cafetero'.

Already in a broken voice he recalled the accident that Rincón suffered in Buga, Valle del Cauca, which put him in a similar situation, but from which he managed to cope. In addition, he invited to pray for the health of his companion and to have faith that everything will turn out in the best way:

“I have videos of Freddy on December 24 or 31 at my house. Many times I invited him, other times he appeared to me. It's very hard because Freddy is a brother to me, he's an unconditional friend. It was my turn to live the accident he had earlier in Buga. I went, I visited him and he got out of it unharmed. Waiting and praying that it will also come out of this, it will be very difficult, but we have to put faith in it”, he concluded.

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