It could be the transfer of the summer, if it happens. Goan giants Dempo SC are in talks with Argentinian World Cupper Ariel Arnaldo Ortega. This was confirmed by Dempo coach-cum-secretary Armando Colaco on the sidelines of the Indian national team camp yesterday.The 37 year old Argentinian born in Libertador General San MartÃn was part of Argentina's World Cup squads in 1994, 1998 and 2002. And in the 1990s was seen as a potential heir to Diego Maradona but like many others he faltered to achieve such greatness.
Dempo are said to be in constant touch with Ortega, who until earlier this year played for CA All Boys Buenos Aires, but one has to remember he is way past his prime and has been in the news for the wrong reasons a number of times. Especially his drinking problem has been covered by the international media.
Ortega started his playing career nearly 20 years ago with River Plate Buenos Aires before moving to FC Valencia, Sampdoria Genoa, FC Parma, returned to River Plate before playing for Fenerbahce Istanbul. Thereafter he returned to Argentina to play for Newell's Old Boys, River Plate, Independiente Rivadavia before his fourth stint with River Plate.
Dempo's can get Ortega for less then what top foreigners like Odafe and Beto are earning. Is it worth a gamble? It depends in what physical condition Ortega is, if he is willing to sweat it out in Indian conditions and if Dempo change their conservative approach to foreign players to take a gamble.
There can be doubts about Ortega having an impact on the field, but of it it surely would give Dempo considerable mileage.
Will he be able to give his 100% or not,let the future decide it...Ariel Ortega is arriving in India and to play in our NFL, this news is enough to bring a lot of happiness is our hearts.I can pretty much recall WC'98,when he was being considered to be one the greatest stars in the contemporary time.And why in the world cup only, he excelled in Italian soil also, wearing the jerseys of Parma and Sampdoria.His hardwork, great passes were well-appreciated and entertained a lot of soccer-maniacs like us.RIverPlate got relegated his week and his consistent bad form with drinking problem of course making him unwanted over there.But nothing comes in the way to cheer after listening to the news.Our Indian players, especially the juniors can learn a lot of things from the veteran talisman.
ReplyDeleteI have read in goal.com that Eastbengal rejected the proposal to play with Blackburn Rovers.Hope Dempo doesn't follow their footsteps and chases him till the end to bring to the Indian soil.Lack of international exposure is a bottleneck in Indian soccer.I hope, the arrival of Ortega and Juan Manuel Lillo( IMG recommended him to be the TD of our national team)can at least create a stepping stone to sail through.
Great........... Indian football is moving.............
ReplyDelete100% or not Ariel Ortega playing in I-League..A dream come true....
It will certainly give popularity to Indian football among Indian fans..
ReplyDeleteI too expecting his coming..