He entered shortly after the close of Sarmiento’s match at Florencio Sola. There were 30′ left and Sanguinetti sent him in place of Nico Gaitán; The team was losing 1-0 and as happened every time they stepped on the field, whether from the start or from the bench, the team changed.
His voice of command, experience, quality, clarity to see the game, once again paid off, and he was rewarded. At 89, Franco Paredes made it 1-1, and Sarmiento closed their season with a draw.
A while later, in the locker room, everyone gathered around him. They posed next to the man who agreed to come to Junín, when he was contemplating his retirement. When the chance opened up for him to continue playing, and be close to his loved ones.
As he did in Racing, or abroad, now, at 41, he continued the same. With his years behind him, but with his quality and genius intact; Licha in Junín delivered everything. He gave everything… the fans know it and valued it. “We must be grateful to Licha” they repeated in the stands before Defensa y Justicia, the team’s last game in Junín and that is why, when he was replaced, they gave him a warm ovation that he reciprocated with his hand on his heart and tears in his eyes. eyes.
This Friday night, after the last game of the tournament, the man who walked calmly, alone, entering a supermarket in the city, or who carelessly parked his truck on a street in Junín to chat with someone he knew, had the best farewell.
The one born in Rafael Obligado arrived at Verde in January 2022. He signed for one year and added a good number of games: he was in 34, starting in 21 of them and scoring seven times, including a double against Lanús (with which he won 2-1). His good performance and physical condition earned him a renewal.
Already in 2023, he played another 27 games, being part of the starting eleven in 19 of them. In the process he made three goals, two of them in the same match (4-1 against Rosario Central). He could not be in the last ten rounds of the Professional League Cup due to a muscle injury. Sarmiento bet on him again and extended the link until December 31, 2024.
According to statistics, during this year he added minutes 31 times, although only eight were from the opening whistle. Although despite that he was able to convert three times, the ailments afflicted him and he was out in several calls. He came off the bench in his last 14 appearances. Counting everything mentioned, Licha López faced 92 duels wearing Sarmiento’s colors
But beyond statistics, Lisandro added in other aspects. When the kids from the club approached him, and he gave them his support. Always. A complete professional. He has added since he put on the Green, whether he has been inside or outside. He added from the bench, giving instructions, and added by providing data, when asked for surnames or reinforcements. He added some visible challenge, marking a play or complaining about a loss.
Sarmiento added because he had a true professional. A person who never used his last name or his history to gain any privilege on campus. Bastard, winner, leader. Even with a bad season, Licha’s time at the club was a huge victory.
In this photo posted by the club, his teammates, props; football, they fired him from the fields, but not from the feeling. And that is always the best farewell.
