October 8, 2022, 13:34 PM
October 8, 2022, 13:34 PM
Joselito Vaca appeared for the last time in a classic Santa Cruz, at least as a player. The affection and respect shown by both biases speaks of the kind of professional that the native of Mapaizo is, and what he really means for Santa Cruz soccer.
In a conversation with DIEZ, Joselito thanked the fan from Oriente and Blooming, but He also spoke about his future, reaffirming that this will be his last season as a professional footballer.
Joselito receiving recognition for his career from Ronald Raldes, president of Oriente.
Did you ever think you were so loved by both fans (of Oriente Petrolero and Blooming)?
“Receiving love from the people of Oriente like Blooming is amazing. I never thought I would have played both in Oriente and Blooming, and receiving their love is something I never imagined.”
Why do you think they give you so much love?
“I was given that opportunity, but the affection that people feel towards me is because I had the opportunity to become champion with both teams.”
On the street or while you do the shopping, do the fans who recognize you say something to you?
“Whenever I go out they ask me for photos, more so from Blooming now that I’m playing in Blooming (laughing). I’m grateful to all the people, to the two institutions for the opportunities they gave me.”
Santa Cruz’s ’10’ celebrating a goal with the Oriente Petrolero shirt.
Is there something you would change about your story?
“No, I never imagined getting to play in the two biggest clubs in Santa Cruz, except becoming champion, or playing for the national team.”
It is inevitable to insist on Joselito again, but is this the last season as a player?
“Yes, there are already 23 years of career that I have enjoyed to the fullest. This year has to come to an end.”
Being your last games as a professional, how did you experience your last classic?
“Very sore, it was not possible to win. Losing this kind of match is difficult, only those of us who have played classics know how we feel after losing.”
Joselito with the shirt of La Verde.
Do you know what you’ll do next? How do you see yourself in 2023?
“No, I don’t know yet. I just want to enjoy these last few months to the fullest.”
Do you plan to return to Mapaizo?
“My whole family lives in Mapaizo, I go there every day. I have never let go of Mapaizo, whenever I have days off I go, holidays too, I even spent the pandemic in Mapaizo. It is something that I will never let go of because it is my family, my mother, my brothers”.
Speaking of your origins, how did you go from being a boy who traveled every day to train from Mapaizo to the Olympic Village, to being one of the greatest references in national football?
“I’m from Mapaizo, I grew up there. When I was a kid, getting to the Tahuichi academy was complicated because it was a bit far away. bus to get to Los Pozos and from there another to get to the Olympic Village”
How long did you travel just to go to train?
“Before there wasn’t much pavement, but it took 20 minutes by bike, hence 40 minutes on the first bus, and another 40 on the second. It was a little difficult for me, but the desire makes possible everything that one wants.
Joselito receiving the love of the fans a few years ago.
Without a doubt, Joselito is one of the most representative men of Santa Cruz and national football. As of 2023, he will be missed.
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