Last update 14 October, 2023 by Alberto Llopis
Perhaps without that great perseverance that made him break shoes after hours to give the ball he had not received anything. Neither had been what it was if it had not taken the painful step of bringing the current worldwide and change of continent when everything was at your fingertips. But that's how it was Enrique Omar Sivori, possibly one of the greatest players that gave River Plate and Juventus, which already speaks of his enormous quality.
Enrique Omar Sivori, one of the best players in the history of Argentina but also of Italy
Born in 1935 San Nicolas de los Arroyos, con 17 years many of those who saw him for the first time since they knew that we were facing a big football and history. For it was at that age when he entered River in the lower grades and also when he began to glimpses of his class. Something that did not overlook the technicians of the first team in 1954 They decided to give him the opportunity to play in the First Division, having the difficult mission of replacing angel Labruna, a record of that “Máquina” of the years 40.
A wise decision that paid off. In the three seasons he would be with the “millionaires” win two league titles but would leave an indelible mark. Owner of a strong personality, It was the classic 10 which is serving playmaker or second striker with accuracy surgeon faces a open heart surgery. A sublime footballer (many comparing him to Maradona) with a distinguished touch and a great finish second line, many times did you have numbers striker.
He was part of “The Carasucias of Lima”
Something that allowed him to win over the fans and the coach Stable who summoned him for the America's Cup 1957, where in addition to win would be the best player in the championship thanks to a team plagued young people who liked to call the “Carasucias Lima”, in honor to host the South American tournament that year. Just reward who brought up his assessment to the point that Juventus got to put on the table in the summer of that year an offer of 10 million pesos for his transfer.
Sívori continued his path and his life in Italy
record logically ended with his transfer as such amount was a record in the transfer market, to the point that the money was used to finish the work of the Monumental Stadium River. His arrival in Turin was involved in controversy. There were many who thought they would not adapt to Italian football and even those who called him “pesetero” for his zeal to seek a better future.
Nothing could be further from reality, his start in Juve could not be more successful, especially in the first four seasons. Tres Scudettos, an award for top scorer in Serie A and a series of extraordinary personal performances led him to win the Ballon d'Or 1961, after obtaining dual nationality.
He played in the World Cup 1962 with Italy
A dual nationality that would allow him to play for Italy, which was his only World, of Chile 1962. A championship which failed to pass the first stage despite having a number of great companions. A step back in a race that curiously begin a decline from that point.
For the following seasons would not be so glorious in “vechia Lady” to the point of having to leave the ranks blanquinegras 1965 and signing for Naples. In the Neapolitan city, Sívori I was going to live a second youth. Marking the steps completed after Maradona, Chiquín (what they nicknamed him) He would bring the azulones to second place in Serie A. A good end for a player to a knee injury end in removing 1968.
Named one of the best midfielders in the history of football and integral to FIFA 100 prepared by Pelé, Sívori Later he would become a coach and would manage Argentina.. Of course in any way, that step by the bench was as bright as his playing career.