Horacio Pagani broke his silence and explained why he ultimately decided not to join Beto Casella on his new show on América TV, even though at first everything indicated that they would work together again. The veteran sports journalist confirmed that he will stay on Bendita (El Nueve) and detailed that his decision was shaped by health issues, scheduling, and personal bonds built over the years.
The possibility that Pagani would join the show that Casella is preparing together with the production company Mandarina caused expectations in the television world. However, it was the panelist himself who clarified that, although the offer was tempting, there were decisive factors that led him to backtrack.
"I was going to follow Beto, it was what was appropriate according to my life codes", Pagani acknowledged in an extensive video that he shared on social media. As he explained, his initial intention was to accompany the host in this new professional challenge, but the change in conditions ended up altering the scenario.
One of the key aspects that influenced his decision was the time slot of the new show. Unlike Bendita, the América TV show would have a later nighttime slot, with broadcasts that would run until around midnight.
"At a certain age, eating that late is not easy. One thing is to leave at ten at night and a very different one is to finish at eleven thirty or twelve", explained Pagani, who is 82 years old and has a history of heart problems. In that regard, he said that he consulted his doctor, cardiologist Guillermo Casella —with no family relationship to the host—, who recommended that he prioritize a more orderly routine and take care of his health.
In addition, the journalist emphasized that he keeps habits that he values deeply, such as having dinner with friends, something that would become incompatible with the new work schedule.
Beyond the professional aspect, Pagani highlighted the strong bond that he built with the Bendita team, a show he has been part of for years. "I developed a very good relationship with producers, cameramen, assistants, editors, with all the guys who are behind the camera," he pointed out.
He even said that he had gone so far as to organize a farewell dinner, convinced that his departure was a fact. However, after reflecting, he decided to stay on El Nueve and continue on the show that Beto Casella has hosted for almost two decades.
"Not everything is about money", he stated emphatically, although he clarified:"That doesn't mean that I work for free". The phrase sums up the balance that, as he explained, he sought between the economic, the human, and the personal.
