The controversial phrase from a Boca idol: 'It's worse to lose a Libertadores final against your classic rival than to be relegated'

The name of Jorge Bermúdez is well known in the world of Boca. The former central defender was part of one of the most successful teams in the history of Xeneize between 1997 and 2001, a period in which he won three local titles (1998, 1999, and 2000), two Copa Libertadores (2000 and 2001), and the Intercontinental Cup against Real Madrid (2000), in addition to becoming one of the key figures of the squad coached by Carlos Bianchi.

However, beyond the glory achieved in the past, he has recently been in the spotlight due to some statements that quickly caused a stir. The Colombian participated in a question-and-answer session and left phrases that surprised many blue and gold supporters.

In a conversation with the YouTuber Ezzequiel, the "Patrón" was asked what he considered to be tougher for a big club: losing a Copa Libertadores final against the classic rival or being relegated. Far from dodging the controversy, he answered without hesitation: "It's worse to lose a Copa Libertadores final against your biggest rival than to be relegated".

The inevitable reference was to the 2018 Libertadores final that River won against Boca in Madrid, a wound that has not yet healed for those from La Ribera. As expected, the phrase had a strong impact on social media, where many fans of Millonario celebrated his words and several Xeneize fans questioned the comparison.

However, Bermúdez went even further. When asked what meant more: defeating Real Madrid in an international final or beating the classic rival in a continental showdown, the Colombian again leaned in favor of the club from Núñez. "It's better to win an international final against your biggest rival than against Real Madrid", he asserted, putting the historic achievement of the 2000 Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo, one of the greatest milestones of his career as a footballer, in the background.

The Patrón's other responses

In the interview, he also reviewed other aspects of his career. He pointed out that the victory in Tokyo was his greatest sporting achievement, confessed that he would have liked to retire at Boca, and stated that he would never have played for River.

Additionally, he chose Bianchi as the best coach of his career and highlighted the Dutchman Virgil van Dijk as the best defender currently.

On the local front, he particularly praised the young player Lautaro Di Lollo, whom he even compared to his own characteristics on the field. "I love what he is doing", he stated about the defender who emerged from Boca, who has managed to establish himself in the starting team in recent months.