La Derecha Diario Miguel Ángel Zurdo López, a legend of Independiente and Maradona's mentor, has passed away.
He excelled with Independiente, managed Diego at Argentinos, and lifted the 1995 Supercopa at Maracanã
Argentine football bids farewell with sorrow to Miguel Ángel López, who passed away this morning at the age of 83 due to health complications in Barranquilla. El Zurdo is an idol within Independiente, and he also left his mark at clubs such as River and Boca, and in the career of Diego Armando Maradona.
Born in Ticino, Córdoba, after starting in regional football, he reached the Primera División to defend the colors of Estudiantes de La Plata. He later moved to Ferro, and his outstanding work in defense took him to River, where he played between 1968 and 1970.
In 1971 he arrived at Independiente and became an essential part of the club's golden era, sharing the team with figures such as Ricardo Bochini, Daniel Bertoni, Miguel Ángel Santoro, and Ricardo Pavoni.
In Zurdo López's record are the Metropolitano 1971 and seven international titles between 1972 and 1975, including the historic four consecutive Copa Libertadores.
His career as a footballer ended at Atlético Nacional de Medellín, where a special bond with Colombia was born.
His extensive career on the sidelines
It was precisely at Atlético Nacional where he began his path as a head coach. He returned to Argentina in 1979 to manage Argentinos Juniors with a young Diego Armando Maradona. He came close to the Primera División title in 1980, although Diego always remembered him fondly, stating that he was one of the best coaches he ever had.
López had a coaching career that included stints at Independiente, Boca, Ferro, and Arsenal. His most memorable moment came with Independiente: he won the Supercopa 1995 against Flamengo at the Maracanã.
Finally, regarding his personal life, he spent his last years in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Rojo's tribute
Independiente bid farewell to El Zurdo on its social media. "Multiple-time champion as a player and as a coach at the Maracanã, but above all, one of our own until the end. We send a huge greeting to his family and friends, and we wish him to rest in peace. Farewell, Zurdo. Thank you for so much," they posted.
More posts: