Although there was no official communication or a signed document, it was known in the football environment that Juan Fernando Quintero had left Racing with one condition:not to return to River, at least in the short term. It was the player himself who confirmed this version and explained that it was a "gentlemen's agreement" with club representatives.
"In some other way when the market opens, one's name is always related. We made a gentlemen's agreement with Diego, with Sebastián, with the people of Racing, I'm really grateful," expressed the Colombian in an interview with ESPN, referring to Diego Milito and Sebastián Saja.
Quintero hizo un "pacto de caballeros" con Racing
Additionally, Quintero detailed how the understanding arose: "I expressed it to Diego because he felt that if I went to River, it wouldn't sit well with him. I told him I wasn't going to River, at least at that moment, because I had the reality of my decision. There was talk of an agreement not to come for a certain time."
However, he didn't specify what the agreed period was before he could return to the Millonario: "As the days go by, we'll see what happens. There's no need for me to go to River, they have a great team, they have great players, and honestly, as a fan, I enjoy it."
With a year of contract still in effect, Quintero decided to terminate with Racing to return to Colombia and be closer to his family for personal reasons. The club's new management tried to convince him to stay, but failing that, they preferred to avoid the political cost of him reappearing at another Argentine club, in this case, River.
Quintero regresó a Colombia y juega en América de Cali
His love for River, intact
Despite his time at Racing, Quintero didn't hide his affection for River: "After 37 years, becoming a champion with Racing internationally is something very beautiful. One leaves those marks, those stories in football, but really everyone knows me for River. I'm a River fan, I experienced wonderful things, besides the coach (Marcelo Gallardo) is someone very close to me, I'm always connected to the club."
El hincha de River lo recuerda por su golazo en la final de la Libertadores 2018
