Cesar Menotti was Argentina's manager when they won their first World Cup on home soil in 1978, winning 3-1 in extra time in the final against the Netherlands.
Tributes have been paid to former Argentina national team coach Cesar Menotti, who has passed away at the age of 85.
Menotti, who led his country to their first World Cup victory in 1978, died on Sunday after spending a month in hospital with severe anemia. The Rosario-born tactician led Argentina to a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands with extra-time goals from tournament top scorer Mario Kempes and teammate Daniel Bertoni.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed his death in a statement: “It is with great sadness that the Argentine Football Association announces the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, current national team director and former world champion coach of Argentina. I regret that.”
A striker during his playing days, Menotti played for Argentina's Rosario Central, Racing Club and Boca Juniors. He then joined the New York Generals and played for Santos and Juventus in Brazil.
After retiring, Menotti went on to manage a total of 16 different teams, including clubs such as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, as well as the Mexican national team.
A charming proponent of soccer, 'Flaco' also coached Argentina's U-20 team at the 1979 World Cup in Japan. This team also included the great Diego and his Maradona. Menotti's young players won the tournament, but he returned to first-team duty at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where he was replaced by Carlos Bilardo after being eliminated in the second round.
Last month, Menotti was hospitalized with severe anemia and underwent surgery for phlebitis. AFA president Txiki Tapia wrote on X/Twitter: “Dear Flaco, it is with great pain that we have to say goodbye to you. gave.
“Undoubtedly, your path to immortality will be a fond memory for all of us who love this round. On behalf of myself and the entire Argentine football community, I would like to take this moment to extend my warmest wishes to the entire Cesar family. Sending you a hug and see you soon, dear friend! “
Argentina's current president, Javier Millay, also said: “Rest in peace. It is with deep sadness that we have lost the leader of a group that gave this country one of its greatest joys. Although I support a different school of thought, It would be foolish to deny Argentina's doctrine.” Contributed by Cesar Luis Menotti. “Goodbye Flaco.”
Velez Sarsfield and Estudiantes also paid tribute to Menotti during Sunday's League Cup final in Argentina. A minute's silence was held at halftime, during which all those involved expressed their condolences.
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