Julio Cruz, intimate: why Messi did not enter against Germany in 2006, the “suspects” parties in Italy, his time in politics and his friendship with Andrea Bocelli and Donatella Versace

[Inkriql]

“Today I am more dedicated to the family, following my son's career, which is in the Banfield Reserve. Now I have a couple of guys that I represent. That's what I got into now, I had never done it. There are several parents who came to see me and I really liked the idea. I have 4 or 5 kids, I know them, and that made me grab them to represent. ”

Thus began the relaxed talk that Julio Cruz gave to Infobae. The former footballer, better known by the nickname of Jardinero, was born in a humble neighborhood of Santiago del Estero and lived in Europe for more than 13 years, where he shined with the Inter shirt and rubbed shoulders with the Milan jet set.

Following his social commitment he sought to start a political career on his return to the country, but he did not feel comfortable in that new world. In the National Team he had to compete for a place with two legends like Gabriel Omar Batistuta and Hernán Crespo, but based on goals and sacrifice he managed to play a World Cup. He was in the first steps of Lionel Messi with the Albiceleste shirt and was the protagonist of one of the most controversial matches in the history of the national team.

After a brief step through Lazio, Cruz decided to withdraw from professional activity and return to the country. He returned to Monte Grande, a town located within the Esteban Echeverría party. Julio noticed that the city seemed stopped in time, like nothing had changed in that decade outside of Argentina.

“After so many years, I saw the same. My neighborhood was the same. With dirt road, with ditches ... It made me sad. That encouraged me to get into politics, I wanted to help the people who need it most, ”he recalled.

His landing was in Lomas de Zamora, an area where he was very identified after defending the Temperley and Banfield shirts. “I met Mauricio Macri, who at that time planned to run for president. I always helped in different foundations, such as Father Mario's or Garrahan's. I spent 3 years studying what the town was. ”
Julio Cruz during his campaign as mayor of Lomas de Zamora (@ juliocruz_9)
Julio Cruz during his campaign as mayor of Lomas de Zamora (@ juliocruz_9)

"The truth is that we did a very good job, but then I began to see things and decided that the policy was not for me," said the former athlete without wanting to delve into details about what happened.

Since then he did not have links with that world again. He began to point his cannons at a parking company and, since the last year, to enter into the representation of players. "There are clubs that ask me for soccer players, and it's something that makes me happy," he outlined.

In the middle of the political campaign, one day the telephone rang and he heard a sharp phrase: "You are peace" (you are crazy). " On the other side of the line - and the Atlantic - was nothing more and nothing less than the renowned Italian singer Andrea Bocelli.
During his time in Italy Julio Cruz began a great friendship with Andrea Bocelli (@ juliocruz_9)
During his time in Italy Julio Cruz began a great friendship with Andrea Bocelli (@ juliocruz_9)

“And he was right. Time proved him right, ”he let out with a laugh. This striking crossover with the tenor began several years ago, in Forte dei Marmi, a city in the region of Tuscany.

“He is very fan of Inter. Once he learned that I was in a city hotel and came to look for me. As I was not talking to my lady, and asked to meet me. The next day we met and talked about music and football. We have a very close bond, we are always in touch. We spent the past Fiestas together and when he came to Buenos Aires he was at my house, ”he explained. “He told me he was happy, that politics was not a thing for me. Also, at the time, he gave me his support and encouraged me to move forward, ”he said.
"You are crazy", the phrase that Andrea Bocelli outlined when he learned that his friend Julio Cruz wanted to venture into politics (@ juliocruz_9)

In his years as Neroazzurro he also became friends with another celebrity: the famous designer Donatella Versace. “His son, Daniel, is a fan of Inter. He came to my house several times and I have taken him to some training, ”he said.

THE DAY MESSI WAS SITTING ON THE BANK IN THE WORLD OF GERMANY 2006 AND THE BOLIVIA-ARGENTINE POLICY OF 1997:
Julio Cruz shared the team with Lionel Messi during the 2006 World Cup in Germany (AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA)
Julio Cruz shared the team with Lionel Messi during the 2006 World Cup in Germany (AFP PHOTO / DANIEL GARCIA)

“It was a pride to wear the National team's shirt. I had to compete with Caniggia, Balbo, Crespo, Batistuta, who was Argentina's historic scorer ... Being summoned was always a joy and a pride, ”he said.

He had to fight, although his goals were a constant in the summaries of the different days of the Serie A.

The coach who gave him the greatest opportunity was José Néstor Pekerman, who included him on the roster to play the 2006 World Cup in Germany, an adventure in which he shared a squad with a young Lionel Messi.

“The first time I saw him in a practice he surprised me. He is very small and wears a small footwear, but he wore the ball with that left foot and did not understand how he was not doing, how he had that control ... The truth that the kid was already different by age and how he played. I had a terrible humility, just as it is now, ”the former River graphed.
Julio Cruz during the World Cup in Germany (Credit: Photo by Kieran Galvin / Shutterstock)
Julio Cruz during the World Cup in Germany (Credit: Photo by Kieran Galvin / Shutterstock)

Argentina arrived at that World Cup with the nickname of candidate, following its roster full of stars and the good level shown in the Qualifiers and the friendlies. Roberto Ayala, Esteban Cambiasso, Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano, Juan Román Riquelme, Carlos Tevez, Pablo Aimar and Hernán Crespo were some of the consecrated members of the Albiceleste delegation in Teuton territory.