“Freddy always started in a group, but this time he left alone”: Francisco Maturana

One of the most emblematic coaches with the most history in the Colombia national team is Francisco Maturana. It was the coach from Chocoano who led him in that legendary match against the German national team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy when the Tricolor drew 1-1 with the one who would be world champion on that occasion. 'El Coloso', was in charge of scoring what for many is the most important goal in the history of the national team.

As if it were a father-son relationship, Maturana was present at many of Freddy Rincón's most important moments in his professional career. The coach, now in the leadership of Atlético Nacional, was quite beaten by the news of the death of the former player of the Colombian National Team. At a rather emotional press conference he remembered the player he knew since he was taking his first steps as a professional and took the opportunity to send his condolences to his relatives.

“It's a very complicated time, I learned to share joys, but my sorrows have been for me alone. It's a difficult time, but you understand the questions, the desire to pay tribute to a faultless person who helped us a lot in our process. Beyond values, it helped us in the growth of Colombian football. Brazilians used to call him 'o rei'. It captivated us from the outset to be a complement in the game. He contributed to football and the group, Freddy responded with play and affection,” said the 73-year-old coach.

You can also read: Freddy Rincón is already in Cali and his last goodbye is coming

Regarding the goal at the last minute against Germany, which meant a draw against one of the best teams of that time, Maturana said that, “history is built by example and we did it in that World Cup in Italy 90. Freddy's goal was extraordinary, but if they detail the celebration, we were all there.”

“I find it hard to talk about Freddy Rincón personally, he was part of a collective that captivated. That Colombian National Team transmitted many more codes than a collective game, the whole structure is shaken, because without Freddy we feel overwhelmed. We feel blessed to have shared with Freddy. He always started in a group, but this time he started alone,” said the coach at a press conference.

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“I can't disengage Freddy from the entire National Team family. They are all my children and I am proud of them, every day I am proud to have formed that group since 1987. These days, in the midst of my anguish, I received messages from all over the world, very good ones. All these guys deserve respect and recognition. It struck me that my children sent me condolences for Freddy's death as if they were brothers,” added Maturana.

To conclude, he said: “When the aliens come, they will find the history of Colombian football and there will surely be the name of Freddy Rincón.”

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