Uruguayan Nicolás de la Cruz could not hold back his tears during the minute of silence in tribute to his compatriot Juan Izquierdo. The midfielder played for Liverpool in his country alongside the footballer who died on Tuesday, after suffering a heart attack five days earlier during the Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo in Brazil.
Before the Copa do Brasil quarter-final match between Bahia and Flamengo, a tribute was held that was repeated in other stadiums in Brazil. The television broadcast captured the pain of the former River Plate (Argentina) player and the moment when he wipes away his tears with his shirt.
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De la Cruz and Izquierdo were the same age, 27 years old. Both were born in Montevideo and played together in the youth categories at Liverpool, a traditional club from the Uruguayan capital to which Izquierdo returned, already as a professional, to win the Uruguayan Championship and the Clausura Tournament.
Uruguaio De la Cruz, do Flamengo, se emociona durante minuto de silêncio em homenagem a Izquierdo. Eles jogaram juntos na base do Liverpool-URU. pic.twitter.com/SqcdBuhZL3
— ge (@geglobo) August 29, 2024
Assistance and injury for De la Cruz
During the match at the Fonte Nova Arena, De la Cruz was the author of the assist for Bruno Henrique’s goal, the only one of the night. The midfielder took the corner kick, which was headed by the winger, which sealed the 1-0 in the first leg.
He later retired injured, as did the recent signing Michael, both due to pain in the posterior muscle of the right thigh. The Rio de Janeiro club reported that they will undergo tests upon their return to Rio de Janeiro to obtain more details on the condition.
