On a memorable day in 2007, River Plate icon Ariel ‘Burrito’ Ortega turned down a tempting offer from Liga MX club Rayos del Necaxa. A true ‘Number 10’ of Argentine football, Ortega had the opportunity to join a plethora of illustrious players who have left their mark on the Mexican championship, but his loyalty to River Plate outweighed financial incentives.
The Rayos del Necaxa were determined and made significant efforts to secure the services of Ortega. They made contact and approached the player. However, Ortega and River Plate firmly rejected the Mexican club’s advances, leading the Argentine midfielder to decline the opportunity.
In his own words, Ortega shared that he received a call from Necaxa president Javier Pérez Teuffer expressing interest in its acquisition. “I told him I was a River player. My intention is to stay; I have a contract with River. I love this club deeply; it took me a long time to come back here,” said Ortega, thus choosing not to join Aguascalientes.
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Having returned to River Plate in 2006 after stints in Turkey with Fenerbahçe and Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys, Ortega was no longer at his peak, but remained dedicated to the institution he cherished. Had the transfer gone ahead, it would have undoubtedly been a significant addition to Mexican football.
-Liga MX fans were left in suspense, hoping to see Ortega in action with the Rayos in Aguascalientes. This versatile Argentine attacking midfielder, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, second striker or right winger, was close to joining the Mexican club, but his desire to stay in Argentine football ultimately influenced his decision.
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Ortega had notable experience of European football, having played for prestigious clubs including Valencia, Sampdoria and Parma in Italy. In addition, he has accumulated more than 80 caps with the Argentine national team. It is worth mentioning that during negotiations with Necaxa, Ortega was valued at $1.7 million on the market.
Throughout his career, Ariel Ortega has been involved in transfers worth $42.5 million. In their proposal, Necaxa was aware of a debt River Plate owed to Ortega and suggested settling it to secure his services on a one-year loan. However, the exact amount owed to the player has not been disclosed.
