Lima Alliance | Leao Butrón: “I will carry the evil of the descent all my life” PERUVIAN FOOTBALL

“I’m not going to lie to you, when I see my photos, the Lima team, where I always wanted to play, the fans, everything makes me sad,” confesses in an intermittent voice the “1” of Alliance, Leao Butrón , who, in an exclusive talk with eL Bocón, confirmed that he hung up his gloves after twenty years in football. “I had already decided that last year, and I only doubted if Alliance was telling me, but it wasn’t like that,” he commented nostalgically.

He probably dreamed of that day loaded in his arms, doing an Olympic lap, celebrating another title with the team of his loves, but reality struck him, as in the middle of the country. “I will bear the pain of the descent all my life,” was the resignation of the goalkeeper, who had pending under the three poles: not having played a World Cup or emigrated abroad. “They were things of destiny, I am calm with my football career,” he assured.

What will be your future?

I had already decided since last year to retire from football. The only doubt was when we went down, I thought Alliance was going to call me, but they didn’t. In 2020 I had my best Copa Libertadores, the best of my life. Of course, in the end he lost his category, and we all shrugged. Of course, I have this remezón that was not a retreat as I would have liked, but I will remember that I always defended the colors of Alliance.

Are there any that say you would have retired in 2017?

Wanting as much of the institution as I want, I’m sorry I couldn’t have given it more to the club. I do not regret anything. I am thankful to God, it has been a great race, in the sports part we did merits not to go down, but it all happened.

What is self-criticism after the descent?

There are times when I think and wonder, ‘what happened’. Criticism goes beyond sports. Many teammates did everything to correct mistakes, but it was too late, we had the bad streak chasing.

One point saved them?

We did not know how to get out of the complicated situation. It will never be the same to fight the relegation zone with Alliance, as with any other club. It was heavy, the feeling that we were struggling not to go down.

But by this point, they will now go to the TAS

It is an administrative issue, there are many things that are embarrassing, how they have been handled.

Conversations with an ex-partner?

Yes, with Rinaldo Cruzado, almost always. It deserves something different after what happened to Alliance. We pushed the car together, all of it, but it was hard. Unfortunately in football, everyone can opine with tremendous shamelessness. Many categorized Rinaldo, me, as the ones we didn’t do much about. To say that, they need to be guided not by what they see, but by what happened inside. We will carry the pain all our lives.

Will you draw the attention of your ex-partners after the scandals?

We did what we had to do. We all had the same responsibility. I couldn’t always be on top, everyone had obligations. Each of last year’s 30 footballers knows what they did right or wrong. What happened in 2020 is the same for everyone. About me, about Rinaldo, they talked a lot through social media, but inside we were all the same. If anyone wants to think that is not the case, life in football will put them in their place.

Did you break up after the descent?

I don’t bring homework problems to my house, but yes when I finished the game I cried like a heartbroken child, just like a lot of people.

How is the relationship with the inflated?

Not at my best moment have I had everyone’s acceptance. Through social media, people express themselves as they want, I am disappointed with many followers, but I do not receive comments. Only the people around me know my position, I also have known followers who respect me.

Did they call you ‘South Command?

Yes, I have contact. I have always been treated with respect. There are people who support me. Command is immense.

And are you ready for the taunts of the eternal rival?

I have a lot of respect for University, but they have always exaggerated a lot. The jokes will surely always be there, it has always been so. You will be surprised if a classic, hopefully it will return Alliance quickly.

Do you hope to continue contributing in Alliance, now from another area?

It was always my plan, and not just supported for being a footballer. I have several years of preparation. I think as a former player and decent person, I have to wait if I’m on the plans, I can’t go look for him. It seems to me that it is time to accommodate the house. A lot of people have let themselves get carried away on social media, but not all the masses. Some handle the networks.

What did you think of Christian Bustos ’appointment?

I liked it. Martín Rodríguez, who is Team Leader in San Martín, told me about Bustos, the kind of person he is. I liked how he worked in San Martín, in Melgar, he can do good things for Alliance Lima. A couple of times I came across it in Matute when we were playing against St. Martin. He’s a demanding technician, and that’s good.

Pau Bengoechea, Mario Salas, Daniel Ahmed, all champions, but could not keep the Alliance in Primera.

They are top-notch technicians, but they will have to carry this cross forever. I think everyone did their best not to get into this situation.

Did it impair rotation in the arc?

I think it makes no sense. It’s not a rule that’s going to help. The more matches the archer has, the more noticeable he is on the field. Manuel I inherited has been the best, but he is in Mannucci. It’s a bad habit to just watch the work of the greats.

“Comparisons” are governed through administrations

For a club to become bankrupt it has had to have many management problems. This reflects Alliance, University, Cienciano, Sport Boys, all drag problems. It shows that things went wrong and pay the consequences.

Did they call you from other clubs to hire you?

Yes, as a footballer, but I had already decided to retire, and why. Also for administrative matters, informal, but had already stayed some time with the family. At first, I will remain tied to football, but I don’t want to be there to be, but to make a difference.

Monday, February 15 is the 120th anniversary of the Alliance?

Alliance will remain the largest in Peru, for life. To be a big one, you see everything: sports, institutional, inflated. The only thing I ask people to do is put aside the ‘I want’, and do something for Alliance.