Juan Fernando Quintero and his family face concerns as he again misses training sessions with Racing and calls for blood donations.
Since arriving at Racing de Avellaneda in mid-2023, Quintero has gone through a series of challenges ranging from personal and family issues to injuries and absences that have led many to speculate about a potential departure. However, the Colombian national team player not only persevered, but also played a key role in winning the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, speaking candidly after the final.
In the match on Saturday, November 23, the Argentine team was in control against Brazil’s Cruzeiro, who tried to respond to goals from Gabriel Martirena and Adrián ‘Maravilla’ Martínez. Although they closed the gap early in the second half through Kaio Jorge, they were unable to equalize, and Colombian Roger Martínez took advantage of his limited minutes to secure a 3-1 victory in injury time , causing the joy of the new champions.
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With this victory, ‘la Academia’ ended a 36-year wait for an international title, recalling the 1988 Supercopa Sudamericana and their previous successes in Libertadores and the 1967 Intercontinental Cup.
Although Quintero’s performance in the final was not the most remarkable, he contributed crucial actions throughout the tournament, finishing with 10 appearances, 3 goals and 3 assists. Despite criticism coming from various fronts, the Colombian southpaw responded by lifting the international trophy.
In ESPN’s broadcast of the match, amid early celebrations, ‘Juanfer’ reflected on the struggles he has recently endured, recalling the times he had to stop training in Argentina to deal with a personal issue involving the mother of his daughter and delicate medical attention in Colombia. So, with this victory, the memories of the Medellín-born player emerged: “After everything I went through, I am now reaping the rewards because I never gave up, I was always there, always trying to fight, always asking God to give me strength, and all the glory goes to Him, to my teammates and my family. We know how difficult it was, and for football to reward us like this, it is. “is the most beautiful thing.”
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Quintero admitted that there was a lot of criticism towards him and coach Gustavo Costas, but that only motivated them to move forward and achieve glory: “I want to thank those who criticize us, their demands make us made them stronger and today, after getting this reward, they should enjoy it because we deserve it.”
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In another interview with DSports, Quintero shared a powerful message about being human beyond being a footballer: “Success can be deceptive, and humility is essential. Values and respect are what matters most. more When we act from the heart and truly wish the good for others, that’s true triumph, beyond being a good player. It’s important to be grateful and show our qualities. as players we have a bright future with; children, and we must set an example for them.”
Additionally, Quintero’s historic ties to River Plate could not be avoided, given his role in their 2018 Libertadores final triumph over Boca Juniors at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, where he scored the second goal and assisted in the third. Reflecting on this, he said that each final is distinct and expressed his gratitude for Argentina’s warm welcome: “The emotions and attention in each match are different. I am deeply grateful to Argentina for the love that has been shown to me, no matter the teams or colors, it feels like my second home. This land and this nation has given me so much I am happy and grateful to everyone.
The most emotional moment of Quintero’s post-match celebration came during an exchange with Sebastián ‘Pollo’ Vignolo, an ESPN Argentina commentator and close friend. Their heartfelt dialogue brought her to tears, as Vignolo is well aware of Quintero’s personal struggles and has been a source of support and understanding.
“Thank you, my friend. I know you have always been there. It hasn’t been easy, but I want to thank you for knowing my reality and being my friend. No matter what happens on the ground, you have always supported me personally, and that’s why I’m here,” reflected the Sudamericana champion, moved and using a typically Colombian phrase, adding: “Where I come from, that’s how it is. you always have to get back up, no matter the situation, and you know that that I have been through; this is life. Wealth and fear have never defined us. I thank God for everything and for giving me the strength to get back up.”
True to his character, Quintero did not hesitate to dedicate the success to the critics who spoke about him without understanding his circumstances: “I want to thank those who criticized me; it motivates me and helps me to come back stronger. “
After this emotional moment, he was asked again how he feels about his glorious past with River and how it feels to be an idol at two of Argentina’s biggest clubs, but he modestly downplayed it: ” It’s hard to recognize it because it’s not easy to say, but this title goes to you, the fans. I’m not going to deny that it’s a reality until the world stops; we are here to bring joy to people. Racing deserved it after many years on the international stage, and that’s what it’s all about.”
In a surprising response, the midfielder thanked coach Fernando Gago for bringing him into the team. Gago was fired for failing to meet targets, then sailing to Chivas in Mexico and recently landing at Boca Juniors: “I have to thank Fernando Gago for bringing me here; he believed in me. I am grateful to the president Víctor Blanco; he knows how much I appreciate him. We achieved what we dreamed of, and now we will make history.
Quintero was candid about his departure from River, addressing the ongoing discussions around money and alleged demands: “At Racing they trusted me, and they know everything I went through with River At the time, a lot of things were said, I couldn’t continue, and Racing trusted me I worked hard, and they supported me during the difficult times we faced challenges like; men. This is life: bounce back, support others, empathize and bring joy to those who deserve it.”
To close his touching remarks, Juan Fernando Quintero expressed his love and gratitude for Argentina and its acceptance in various areas: “I have always been very grateful; after my experiences with River and now with Racing, two great clubs, I have nothing other to say than thank you! Argentina is a country that embraced me as one of its own, I love them, I consider myself one of them, despite the fact of ‘being Colombian and loving my This country and this land have given me so much, and I feel it is right to reciprocate that love with everything I do.”
With this title, Quintero becomes the sixth Colombian player to win both the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, joining Miguel Borja (Sudamericana 2015 with Santa Fe and Libertadores 2016 with Nacional), Éder Álvarez Balanta (Sudamericana 2014 and Libertadores 2015 with River Plate), Teófilo Gutiérrez (Sudamericana 2014 and Libertadores 2015 with River Plate), and Cristian Dájome (Libertadores 2016 with Nacional and Sudamericana 2019 with Independiente del Valle).
In addition to this honor at the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, the talented player has been accustomed to lifting trophies from a young age, including the Copa Colombia with Nacional, the Portuguese Super Cup with Porto, and both the Copa and Argentine Supercopa with River Plate, all local. Additionally, on the international stage, he also lifted the 2013 South American U-20 title with the Colombian national team, as well as the 2018 Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana with River.
