The former midfielder lives and breathes Estudiantes, the club he represented as a player and president and they are now well placed to challenge domestically and in the Copa Libertadores
Now, a new Veron has appeared.
Deian, 20, made his first-team debut for Estudiantes at the weekend, keeping up an incredible family tradition which has seen three generations take the field for the club in a connection which spans the best part of six decades.
Such familial continuity is almost unheard of at the top level of the game. Daniel Maldini s Milan bow back in February 2020 saw him follow in the footsteps of greats Cesare and Paolo, after brother Christian fell short and pursued his career at a lower level in Italy.
Penarol, meanwhile, was the home of midfielder Juan Carlos Corazzo as well as his son-in-law Pablo Forlan and grandson Diego, all of whom reached idol status at the Uruguayan giants.
In the last 30 years, moreover, he came closer than anyone to winning the World Cup for the Albiceleste – and, perhaps most importantly, very nearly solved the intractable riddle of how to get the best out of Lionel Messi in international colours.
Messi, who was preparing for what turned out to be a humiliating home defeat at the hands of Juventus when Sabella s passing was confirmed, offered a glowing tribute to his former mentor. It was a pleasure to share so much with you, the star said on Instagram. Alejandro was a great person, aside from being a model professional, who shaped my career and helped me learn much from him.
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