Argentine football bids farewell to one of its most beloved figures. Miguel Ángel Russo passed away this Wednesday at the age of 69, at his home in the City of Buenos Aires, surrounded by his family. His death occurred around 7:00 p.m., after years of an unyielding battle against prostate and bladder cancer that had afflicted him since 2017.
Despite the diagnosis, Russo never abandoned his passion. He remained active until the last months, even in the midst of treatments and surgeries, with the same conviction he showed in every locker room. His last public appearance was on September 23, when Boca shared a photo in which he was seen smiling alongside Juan Román Riquelme during a training session at the Ezeiza complex.
Who was Miguel Ángel Russo
Born in Valentín Alsina on April 9, 1956, "Miguelo" was first an exemplary footballer before becoming a renowned coach. A central midfielder of great quality and a symbol of Estudiantes de La Plata, he was one of the few "one-club men" in Argentine football.
With Pincha, he played 435 matches between 1975 and 1988, scored 11 goals and lifted the Metropolitano 1982 and Nacional 1983 titles. Those achievements led him to the Argentina National Team, where he played 17 matches under Carlos Bilardo's management.
