Maxi Rodríguez said goodbye to football in style

The city of rosary beads dressed in red and black to pay tribute to maxi rodriguez, ‘The Beast‘ of Newell’s Old Boyswho put aside the laurels of the Premier League to return to the ‘leprous homeland’, a ‘nation’ that today covered with glory the man who attended the vocation above the ego.

Thousands of grateful supporters gathered around the Independence Park hoping to send off the idol born in the Colossus. Same as them, Maxi he knew love for Newell’s being a very young fan, who fantasized about the idea of wearing the colors on the field of play.

“Give it champion! I’m a fan of the biggest club”, were the shouts in chorus that reverberated around the Stadium Marcelo Bielsa. “Leprosy is a feeling and I carry it in my heart”, they continued to shout without qualms down their throats.

Being a ‘kid’ of 14 years, Maxi I dreamed of being able to stop watching the games from the stands and jump onto the field, soon it became a reality. He made his debut in 1999 at the age of 18 and over three seasons caught the attention of the mythical technical director of the Albiceleste sub-20, José Pékermanthe one who won three world titles for Argentina and one of the great guests at this party.

Many more arrived during the minutes prior to the tribute, such as Juan Pablo Sorin, Fernando Gago and Javier Saviolawho highlighted “how beautiful it is to meet again” and the need for “Maxi enjoy this day”, they commented to the press.

The debut with the Argentine team

The ‘belle époque’ of Rodriguez just looming on the horizon, his effort earned him an opportunity typical of Argentine culture: working in Europe. He Spanish summoned him in 2002 to join its ranks, where he scored 15 goals in La Liga and goal number 2,000 in that club.

Shortly after, he was one of those chosen to be part of the generational replacement that the senior team needed, after the forgettable performance at the World Cup. Korea-Japan 2002. He held a place in the Albiceleste until 2016, with a total of 54 games and 15 goals.

Another of those who did not want to miss the party this Saturday was the champion coach in Qatar 2022, Lionel Scaloniwho confessed that his “state is not ideal”, although he exhibited his black and white boots, suitable, he said, to withstand the demands of a farewell party.

“I can’t put on others; if not my ankles and knees tomorrow…”, he said with a laugh when referring to the meeting tribute to Juan roman riquelme, in which he will participate this Sunday. “You have to be a little fresh for the two games, we hope to enjoy it,” she launched with a knowing smile.

Players and staff lift Maxi Rodríguez, today during his farewell match at the Coloso Marcelo Bielsa stadium in Rosario (Argentina).

Franco Trovato Fuoco / EFE

His arrival at Atlético

ended up being captain

The football life of Maxi becomes more relevant in Spainafter moving to Atletico Madrid. He established -even more- his control of the pitch and came to captain the colchoneros before the Liverpool English fixed his eyes on him.

The professional career of ‘La Fiera’ took a lucky turn when he was signed to fight in the best soccer league in the world.

Under the red jacket he showed versatility. He was comfortable handling the ball – a quality for which he was already famous – and could generate sudden changes in his game to enter the box and be a vehement striker. During the 2010-11 season, he went on to score ten goals, including two hat tricks.

Already at the top, his heart broke in two when he found out about the crisis that ‘his’ was going through Newell’s. He felt inside of him that he should go back, put aside what he had achieved through sheer effort and return. Reason does not understand that the ideas of passion cannot be disguised or controlled.

“Maxi it’s a big one. We know what it represents for this intense city. We are friends, there is no rivalry here,” he said. angel di mariaanother of the world champions, about the classic Rosario competition between the ‘lepers’ and Rosario Central, the team where the ‘Fideo’ was formed.

Precisely one of the great ovations of this Saturday from the fans of Newell’s it was for say marygreat rival.

But, without a doubt, the best reception was for the prodigal son who returned home, Lionel Messiwho took to the field of ‘his’ team on the same day he turned 36.

During 2012, Newell’s was on the verge of relegation, but after the arrival of Maxi next to ignacio scocco and gabriel heinzewith the help of the coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martinonot only came out of relegation, he won the championship.

Maxi he took care of his club, like a son who returns home when his parents no longer have the strength to look after themselves, until December 6, 2021. He retired as the club’s second all-time goalscorer, leaving “body and soul in the red and black shirt”, or at least, that’s what every fan of Newell’s who is consulted for ‘The Beast’.

Horizontal — Maxi Rodríguez in his farewell match at the Marcelo Bielsa stadium today, in the city of Rosario (Argentina). EFE/ Juan Ignacio Roncoroni

JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI / EFE

Could not miss Messi

the star guest Lionel Messi He arrived in a car just a few minutes after the presentation of the players and when he jumped onto the playing field he received an emotional ovation from the club where Leo began playing as a child before his exodus to Barcelona.