La Derecha Diario Navarro Montoya bid farewell to Loco Gatti and Real Madrid remembered his career
The Monkey was the successor of the Crazy One in the Crazy One's goal and had him as a role model
The passing of Hugo Orlando Gatti caused a profound impact on Argentine soccer. The legendary goalkeeper, a symbol of an era and of Boca, died at 80 years old after an extended hospitalization, during which he remained in a medically induced coma due to pneumonia, heart failure, and kidney failure.
One of those who publicly expressed his sorrow was Carlos Fernando Navarro Montoya, who, at the start of his career, had El Loco as an inspirational figure and was the one who inherited the goal at La Bombonera after his retirement.
"He was the light that illuminated my childhood and adolescence. I wanted to be like El Loco Gatti. I have photos in Vélez's youth teams playing with the headband like the one he used. When I played in the vacant lot in the little square of Floresta, I always dreamed of being like Hugo. He was someone who fueled my dreams," expressed El Mono on ESPN.
The delicate health condition of El Loco and his farewell
The health of the former goalkeeper had begun to deteriorate after a hip fracture, which led him to be hospitalized at Hospital Pirovano. During his stay, he suffered a hospital-acquired infection that complicated his condition until the fatal outcome.
Gatti's remains were laid to rest at the Buenos Aires Legislature, where figures from the soccer world came to bid him farewell. Among them was Guillermo Coppola, a close friend and former representative of Diego Maradona, as well as former teammates like Jorge Pipa Higuaín, Enrique Hrabina, and Ruso Jorge Ribolzi.
A European giant and another historic goalkeeper bid farewell to Gatti
From Spain, Real Madrid also paid tribute to the former goalkeeper with an official statement. Although Gatti never played for the white team, his friendship with Florentino Pérez solidified a strong bond with the Madrid club.
"Real Madrid CF, its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Hugo Gatti, mythical goalkeeper and legend of Argentine soccer," begins the text issued by the institution.
"Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, all his loved ones, and all the clubs he was part of".
The club also highlighted Gatti's career with a review of his impressive career: "Hugo Gatti is the player with the most matches played in the Argentine First Division: 765 in 26 seasons. With Boca Juniors, he won 2 Copa Libertadores, 1 Intercontinental, and 3 Argentine Leagues".
The statement concluded with a message full of affection: "Hugo Gatti always showed his Madridism and his affection and passion for Real Madrid in good times and in the most difficult times. All Madridists will always carry him in our hearts. He passed away at 80 years old. Rest in peace".
Another iconic goalkeeper who dedicated a few words was Pato Fillol, who wrote: "Farewell, dear Hugo. Today we lost a true great of the Argentine and South American goal. Always in my heart and in the heart of the entire Fillol family. Much strength to his sons Lucas and Federico and the rest of his family. Eternal embrace from post to post, friend and colleague".
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