[Sport] The Peruvian who played in Chile in the 90s: "The strangest thing was beer with Fanta"

[FNX Magokiler]

Álex Magallanes (46) retired from football several years ago. The former Peruvian striker played in the national team of his country and after a short stint at Dundee United in Scotland, he joined the Chilean league: in 1998 he played for Deportes Temuco and in 1999 he defended Cobreloa.

For the same reason, the former scorer is the authorized voice to talk about this Friday's clash between La Roja and those of Rímac. "I don't think we are favorites, Chile is always complicated, especially at home. This is like a classic and there are no favorites. It is a tough game," says Magallanes, who currently has a soccer school for children in his country.

- But the last two games were thrashed in favor of Peru. Did Ricardo Gareca take Reinaldo Rueda's hand?
- They are different parties. That may be an advantage, but all national team games are different. Chile always beat us and now Peru, in those games, has taken a slight advantage.

- How is the expectation for Gianluca Lapadula?
- People are very excited, because Paolo (Guerrero) is not there and Raúl Ruidíaz is not doing very well. I believe that if Lapadula runs for president, he will win far (laughs). It's crazy here!

- What is your favorite Chilean player?
- I really like Arturo Vidal, he is the experience and the heart of the team. I also like Gary Medel, so how he will not be, it will be a very sensitive loss for Red.

 

 

The anecdotes in Chile of Álex Magallanes
After playing the American Cups in 1995 and 1997, Álex Magallanes landed in Chile. "In Temuco it was complicated, because the team was fighting at the bottom," recalls the former striker.

- And in Cobreloa?
- That was good for me, we went to Libertadores after many years. Coach Arturo Salah taught me a lot. They told me that Calama was complicated, but I went with my family, so nothing affected me. We had a good team with the "Truck" Vallejos, Jaime Riveros and Fernando Cornejo.

- Any anecdote that you remember in Chile?
- When we went out to share a grill (asado), it caught my attention that they drank beer with Fanta, you don't see that in Peru (laughs). In the end I tried it and yes, I found it delicious ...