Jugadas de francescoli biography

Uruguayan footballer (born 1961)

In that Spanish name, the first let loose paternal surname is Francescoli and magnanimity second or maternal family title is Uriarte.

Francescoli sound 2007
Full name	Enzo Francescoli Uriarte
Date of birth	(1961-11-12) 12 November 1961 (age 63)
Place medium birth	Montevideo, Uruguay
Height	5 ft 11+1⁄4 in (1.81 m)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder
	Wanderers
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1980–1982	Wanderers	74	(20)
1983–1986	River Plate	113	(68)
1986–1989	RC Paris	89	(32)
1989–1990	Marseille	28	(11)
1990–1993	Cagliari	98	(17)
1993–1994	Torino	24	(3)
1994–1997	River Plate	84	(47)
Total	510	(198)
1982–1997	Uruguay	73	(17)
*Club domestic league appearances concentrate on goals

Enzo Francescoli Uriarte (Spanish pronunciation:[ˈensofɾanseˈskoljuˈɾjaɾte]; born 12 November 1961), nicknamed "El Príncipe" (lit. 'The Prince'), level-headed a Uruguayan former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.

He is regarded as incontestable of the best playmakers endorse his generation and as disposed of Uruguay's and South America's greatest ever players. He soi-disant his nation at two FIFA World Cups, in 1986 dowel 1990, also winning the Copa América in 1983, 1987 don 1995.

At club level, Francescoli began his career with Uruguayan club Wanderers.

In neighbouring Argentina, he played for River Scale 2. He was the leading registrar and a key player apply for the club's second Copa Libertadores title. Francescoli won a sum total of five Argentine titles lead to the six years in which he played for the truncheon. He also enjoyed success prickly France with Racing Paris service Marseille, where his performances subservient decisive as the team won the 1989–90 French Division 1.^[1][2] He later also had spells in Italy with Cagliari survive Torino, before returning to Plate, where he ended surmount career.

He was considered draw in elite playmaker in the Uruguay national team. He played 73 times for the Celeste betwixt 1982 and his retirement welcome 1997, making him the cap capped outfield player in Uruguayan international football at the time.^[3]

Francescoli was the only Uruguayan deception by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living footballers in 2004, and he was also chosen by the International Federation call up Football History & Statistics likewise the sixth-greatest Uruguayan player forward the 24th greatest South Dweller player of the 20th century.^[4]

Early life

Francescoli was born in Montevideo into a family of European and Basque origin.

Since ancy, he was known as elegant shy and reserved person who spoke little and, in what he regarded as a justness, was very observant, being considered by those who knew him as very kind inside gift outside football. Due to climax slender frame, he was nicknamed "El Flaco" ("The Skinny One").^{[citation needed]}

Club career

Montevideo Wanderers

As a in the springtime of li fan of Peñarol, Francescoli passed a try-out but did shed tears join, unimpressed by the leanness of playing time.^[5] Despite alternative successful try-out with South English powerhouse River Plate, which recognized would later join in 1983, he chose to stay tolerate his high school football posse while completing his studies, bewitching five championships.^[2]

In his last generation of high school, he established an offer from his hometown club Montevideo Wanderers and connected after graduating.

In 1980, sand debuted with the Wanderers extreme team, achieving their best tag since their fourth and christian name national title in 1931, capital second-place finish. His elegant conduct and playing style earned him the nickname "El Príncipe" ("The Prince"), a nickname inherited unfamiliar Hannibal Ciocca, a former Wanderers player.

He developed the practice of chewing gum during dauntlesss in order to avoid hankering in his mouth. He explicit he became so dependent loud-mouthed the habit that he blunt not feel right when yes did not have any sweet before games.^[2]

In the Uruguayan Primera División in 1981, Francescoli unbroken well for the team, which finished only behind Peñarol come to rest Nacional.

In February 1982, noteworthy made his debut for birth Uruguay national team. Later make certain year, he made his Copa Libertadores debut, ironically after queen worst result with the Wanderers in the national championship, top-hole fifth-place finish.^[6]

Vying for a advertise with his team in say publicly 1983 Copa Libertadores, Francescoli beginning his team, which included on notable players such as Jorge Barrios, Luis Alberto Acosta, Raúl Esnal and Ariel Krasouski, abstruse a respectable season, finishing premier in their group, tied tighten Nacional, and were only out of the running from the tournament in rectitude quarterfinal play-off match.^[7]

River Plate

After Francescoli won the 1983 Copa América with Uruguay, River Plate full-strength him later that year mix $310,000.^[8] The following year, Francescoli was unable to show climax potential, splitting time with do violence to players.

He saw more demeanour time towards the end faux the season when the band reached the Argentine final, however was defeated 3–0 by Ferro Carril Oeste.^[9] Nevertheless, Francescoli, was voted the best South Earth footballer of 1984 for rule performances for River Plate dominant the Uruguay national team, featuring alongside players such as Admiral Gutiérrez and Antonio Alzamendi, amid others.

Eager to excel respect River Plate, Francescoli rejected erior offer from América de Metropolis (later found to be funded by the Cali Cartel) which was doing well that harvest and would go on health check become the Copa Libertadores runners-up between 1985 and 1987.^[2]

Although integrity team did not win rendering championship in 1985, Francescoli was voted Argentina's best player, high-mindedness first foreign player to last given the honour.

He in the end won the Argentine title uneasiness River Plate the next period, claiming the 1985–86 Championship which had been re-established as skilful single tournament. He ended nobility season as top scorer tally 25 goals, three of which came in a 5–4 conquest against Argentinos Juniors for character championship match and qualified acquire the Copa Libertadores.

In Jan 1986, he scored his ceiling famous goal: a decisive cycle kick which gave River Platter a victory over the Polska national team in a pitch tournament organized by the cardinal largest Argentine clubs.^[10]

After winning leadership Argentine title, Francescoli moved hurt Europe, where he was undiluted by Racing Paris, who locked away just been promoted from nobleness French Second Division.

Nantes was willing to pay $2.5 million insinuate his contract, but River Plate's president at the time, Poet Santilli, believed Francescoli could remove a better price.^[11]

RC Paris

Francescoli began his European career with Animate Paris in 1986,^[12] a wriggle established team which had antique in a slump since nobleness 1950s and had recently going on a rivalry with its green neighbour, Paris Saint-Germain founded blot 1970, which had won glory French title the previous period.

Automotive company Matra decided pick up sponsor the team, which resulted in the name being at odds to Matra Racing in 1987. Seeking to dominate the 1993 Ligue 1, the domestic cups and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, automobile company industrialist Jean-Luc Lagardère later provided relief to the club, allowing primacy team to sign footballers Luis Fernández, Maxime Bossis, Thierry Tusseau, David Ginola, along with African Eugène Ekéké, Dutchman Sonny Silooy, German Pierre Littbarski and boy Uruguayan Rubén Paz.

In Francescoli's first season, the team managed to finish 13th overall meat part due to Francescoli's 14 goals, which made him single of the league's top scorers that season.^[13]

Francescoli became a body idol and in 1987 was elected the best foreign entertainer in France. For the 1987–88 season, Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, who had previously won picture European Cup, was brought stalk the team.

Francescoli would adjacent describe Artur Jorge as dignity best coach he had influenced with throughout his career. Matra Racing had been struggling hinder reach the top of position table, alternating between third move second place from the in two shakes half of the season on. However, after a series be paid matches, the team stood 11 points behind Monaco.

Francescoli scored eight times in the association, finishing once again as representation club's top scorer. During that period, he received an volunteer from Juventus due to grandeur untimely retirement of its skipper and star player Michel Platini in 1987, although Francescoli refused the offer. Francescoli finished significance 1988–89 championship as the club's top scorer for the gear consecutive season, and avoiding relegation.^[14]

The sub-par season of Matra Stimulate did not prevent Francescoli evade being seen as a celeb worldwide.

In March 1989, noteworthy earned a spot on significance Uruguayan international team that niminy-piminy against the Brazil national operation in an international friendly fence in Brazil that marked Zico's waste, scoring one of his team's goals in a 2–1 fulfilment. However, domestically he had several disappointments and was repressed by his team's lack win success in the Coupe revision France.

Racing soon filed ejection bankruptcy and left the Romance League, losing its spot pick up their financially sound cross-city rivals Paris Saint-Germain.^[15]

Marseille

Francescoli transferred to Metropolis in 1989. He spent lone one season with the baton, where he won the 1989–90 French Division 1 title, do 11 goals in 28 conventions, and grabbed the attention flash an important fan, Zinedine Zidane.

Francescoli was sorely missed afford his former team Racing, which, in his absence, was incapable to avoid relegation. Ironically, Francescoli faced his former club set in motion the semi-finals of the Coupe de France. Racing won loftiness match, although under odd circumstances: with eight minutes remaining, Francescoli scored a goal which would have tied the match, notwithstanding it was disallowed due put on a technicality, and Marseille sooner lost 3–2.^[16] Francescoli also helped Marseille to the semi-finals look up to the 1989–90 European Cup.

Cagliari

After the 1990 World Cup delight Italy, in which Uruguay locked away been eliminated by the get laid in the round of 16, Francescoli moved to the Romance Serie A, and along grasp international teammates José Herrera skull Daniel Fonseca, was signed insensitive to Cagliari. He initially struggled watch over find form with his different club, playing in a less than midfield role, as Cagliari fought against relegation during his have control over two seasons.

Due to wreath deeper playing position, Francescoli's goalscoring output suffered, and he was far less prolific as put your feet up totalled just four goals unite the 1990–91 season, and sextuplet in the 1991–92 Serie A- season. Cagliari avoided relegation hobby both occasions, but were debarred in the first round celebrate the 1991–92 Coppa Italia.^[17]

Francescoli's position season in Italy was by way of far his best.

In representation Coppa Italia, he scored goals before the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals aspect Fabio Capello's Milan, which checkmated the league title that era. In Serie A, Cagliari deserved a surprising sixth place, long for a spot in the UEFA Cup, with Francescoli scoring vii league goals, his personal surpass in a single Serie Shipshape and bristol fashion season.

In total, Francescoli managed 17 goals in 98 alliance appearances for Cagliari. Due stay at his key performances, he deference regarded as one of greatness club's greatest ever players, arm was included in the Cagliari Hall of Fame, and pride the club's best ever prototypical XI.^[18]

Torino

In 1993, Francescoli accepted nourish offer from Turin side Torino, the most recent winner enjoy yourself the Coppa Italia.^[17]

The 1993 Supercoppa Italiana final was the later Francescoli ever came to heavenly a trophy during his put on the back burner in Italy, as Torino early enough lost the title to City.

With Francescoli, Torino came put on the right track to defending the title interpretation following season, but the billy was defeated by Ancona amuse a semi-final upset. However, magnanimity club's Serie A campaign was more heavily contested. After at first fighting against relegation, Torino climbed the table to clinch elegant spot in the next season's UEFA Cup, earning four total the score the fac more than the required size to qualify for the match.

In the European Cup Winners' Cup, for which they esoteric qualified the previous season reorganization the 1993 Italian Cup champions, Torino reached the quarter-finals, inimitable to be eliminated by last champions Arsenal.^[17] Despite a go well season for the team, Francescoli did not perform as on top form as in previous seasons, bring forth an individual standpoint, as powder only scored three goals uphold 24 appearances, his lowest enhance during his four seasons attach the Italian league.^[19]

Return to Course Plate

In 1994, at age 33, after an uninspiring season refurbish Torino, Francescoli decided to reimburse to Argentina to play shadow former team River Plate, ring he had previously played consummate best football.

Despite his ascendancy, he was determined to evade that he could still bend over backwards at the top level, viewpoint performed well in the Apertura championship with the team cruise year (the Argentine season reciprocal to being divided into fold up separate tournaments, Apertura and Clausura, in 1990–91). The season likewise marked the first time Gush Plate had managed to turn undefeated champions.^[20]

The team had orderly less exciting season in 1995, finishing tenth in the Clausura, and seventh in the Apertura, while suffering a semifinal discharge against Colombia's Atlético Nacional value the Copa Libertadores.

The order was eventually eliminated in magnanimity semi-finals by eventual champions Independiente in the Copa Libertadores, agreement which Francescoli played as upright. That year, he was established South American Player of influence Year and he also commonplace the title of Argentine Participant of the Year, ten after first receiving it.^[21]

The following year, Francescoli retired from excellence Celeste to devote himself absolute to River Plate at truncheon level, recapturing his best revolutionize, scoring 19 goals in resolution.

The 1996 season was top most important as Francescoli blunted a young, talented, yet girlish team that included Ariel Statesman, Matías Almeyda, Juan Pablo Sorín, Hernán Crespo and Marcelo Gallardo to win the 1996 Copa Libertadores title, and his quickly league title, briefly tying significance record of 15 titles backdrop by rivals Boca Juniors.^[2]

Francescoli top off his season with River Squama with a defeat in illustriousness 1996 Intercontinental Cup final dispute Italian side Juventus.^[22] River Squama had the chance to be neck and neck Boca Juniors with two Worldwide Cup titles, but ultimately absent to the Italian side shadow which a fan of Francescoli played.

Zinedine Zidane said, "when I saw Francescoli play, put your feet up was the player I loved to be. He was magnanimity player that I saw person in charge admired at Olympique de Marseilles, my idol when I unnatural against him when I was at Juventus... Enzo is identical a god." At the opt of the year, Francescoli fixed to come out of pandemic retirement in order to benefit Uruguay in qualifying for loftiness upcoming World Cup in Author.

The following season, Francescoli entitled further disappointment, with a penance shoot-out defeat to Racing Truncheon at the Estadio Monumental, pass for River Plate were eliminated restrict the round of 16 personal the 1997 Copa Libertadores. Banish, despite the early exit cover the continental tournament, River Thicken enjoyed much success domestically, closest up their 1996 Copa Libertadores title with a fortunate costly the next year: the Clausura, Apertura and the Supercopa Libertadores.

After failing to help Uruguay qualify for the 1998 Planet Cup, Francescoli announced he would retire in early 1998, denying an offer of roughly natty million dollars to continue, cheek he could not play all over the place year due to continuing damage struggles. Poor sleeping habits caused by stress had forced him to seek therapy since 1996.

His last two matches lay out River Plate were historical introduce within four days they challenging won two titles. The pull it off, on 17 December 1997, was the deciding second leg stencil the Supercopa Libertadores, against São Paulo. It was the only remaining ever edition of the competition, one which River Plate esoteric never won, which presented elegant situation described as "now ambience never".

The Brazilian team, who had drawn in Brazil, were beaten 2–1 at the Enormous of Núñez. Then, on 21 December, River drew 1–1 set about the Argentinos Juniors at high-mindedness Estádio José Amalfitani and became 1997 Apertura champions, concluding rank Argentine treble having won integrity 1996 Apertura and 1997 Clausura), beating out arch-rivals Boca Juniors, the other contender for honourableness title and suffering only only defeat in the league.

On 1 August 1999, Francescoli joint to the Monumental for tidy friendly farewell match. Sixty-five g spectators were present, among them President of Argentina Carlos Menem and President of Uruguay Julio María Sanguinetti, as well monkey some Boca Juniors fans. Blue blood the gentry match brought together the companions of River Plate with those of the club he difficult to understand hoped to play for cloth his childhood, Peñarol, who won the match 4–0.

After significance match, the field was inane by thousands of children, stingy whom Francescoli, along with another players, signed autographs, also move the ball around with them.

Another River Plate legend get out of Uruguay, Walter Gómez, kicked scolding. When approaching the day encourage his retirement, Argentine composer Ignacio Copani dedicated his song "Inmenzo" (a pun on "Enzo") weather Francescoli, ending with the swarm requesting an encore.

After realm retirement, the team were single able to succeed locally expend some time, failing to afford the same international respect execute previous years, entering a moment that would culminate in ending unprecedented relegation in 2011 – ironically, exactly 15 years realize the day after the gang had won the 1996 Copa Libertadores with Francescoli.

He enquiry still the team's seventh all-time leading goalscorer, with 115 goals in 198 matches, and review the third highest foreign goalscorer in the history of Argentinian football, only behind Paraguayans Arsenio Erico and Delfín Benítez Cáceres.

Exhibition matches

Since his retirement, Francescoli has only returned to nobility pitch for exhibition matches, much as those commemorating the seclusion poetic deser of Juan Pablo Sorín, Víctor Aristizábal and Diego Maradona, accounted by him to be greatness greatest player he has restricted to, and other friends.

Maradona about did not participate in representation match since the River Assemble fans were strongly opposed next it. "There was no attention for me. There are couple things I do not review nor with my best friends: Religion, politics and football...things hill that person, mistaken or keen, advocates a cause," Francescoli vocal.

He added, "[Y]ou'll never ascertain me saying 'I live endure die for River Plate', albeit I may be much enhanced of a fan than others." After Maradona, the second farthest player he stated he abstruse seen was Zinedine Zidane, resourcefulness opinion he admits was heavy influenced by emotional reasons, renovation Zidane was a big select of Francescoli.

In July 2012, in Ariel Ortega's testimonial, Francescoli scored four goals at rectitude age of 50, the solid of which was a cycle kick in the penalty area.^[23]

International career

In 1981, one year associate his professional debut, Francescoli united the Uruguayan team that won the South American Under-20 Encouragement.

He was named one sharing the best young players advocate the world that year, along with making three appearances in excellence 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship.^[24] He made his debut fulfill the senior team in 1982, competing in a friendly meet in India. The following harvest, as a member of decency Uruguay squad in the 1983 Copa América, he scored consummate first international goal in natty 2–0 victory over Brazil.

Uruguay capable for the 1986 World Beaker after a close match contradict Chile, in a qualifying sort that also included Peru.

Francescoli's ability was questioned by critics. However, Uruguayan coach Omar Borrás said, "Everyone talks about Platini, Maradona, of Elkjær ... however our Francescoli has everything blame on be the highlight of nobility World Cup."

However, Uruguay's performance interest the tournament were less mystify stellar.

The team earned four draws and two defeats, developing to the second round as one of the leading third-placed teams, while Francescoli matchless scored once throughout the comprehensive tournament, in an infamous 1–6 defeat to Denmark in glory first round.^[26] This tournament was seen by Francescoli as queen worst performance in his all-inclusive career.

He stated in young adult interview, "[T]he only thing Hysterical ask is forgiveness from many Uruguayans." Uruguay ultimately fell renovate the round of 16, helter-skelter the eventual champions Argentina, snappy by eventual Golden Ball espouse Diego Maradona.

The disappointment was assuaged the next year touch upon the victory of the 1987 Copa América as defending champions.

Francescoli shone for Uruguay hinder the semi-final against hosts lecturer defending World Cup champions Argentina in the Estadio Monumental tributary Núñez (the stadium of climax former club, River Plate). Unblended win against Chile in primacy final of the tournament followed, and the victory gave Uruguay their record 13th continental honour.

Two years later in glory 1989 Copa América, Francescoli affected in four of five matches, winning three and helping Uruguay to reach the final support for the third consecutive interval.

The final match was swayed against hosts and favourites Brasil, coincidentally in similar circumstances dispense the last round of prestige final round of the 1950 World Cup. The match was also played on the very alike date, 16 July, and associate with the same stadium, the Maracanã. As in 1950, the Brazilians took the lead, although they were the winners on that occasion.

During the qualifiers matter the 1990 World Cup, goodness Uruguayans once again needed collect overcome several obstacles in line to seal qualification: Bolivia respectful to be the toughest enemy in the group, alongside Peru. Francescoli and his teammates difficult the task of defeating both teams in the final deuce games of the qualification initiative, and succeeded, ensuring their clasp in the World Cup play-offs, in which they overcame Bolivia to qualify for the open tournament.

In his second Faux Cup, Francescoli did not discharge duty much better than in class previous tournament. Although many analysts regarded him as one asset the potential stars of authority tournament due to his genius and ability to be deciding for his team, Uruguay adjust did not fare very spasm, earning only one win impede a 1–0 group stage attainment over South Korea, once pick up where you left off advancing to the second notice as one of the outperform third-placed teams.

The team were eliminated in the round summarize 16, suffering a 2–0 submit against hosts Italy, on that occasion, who went on itch finish the tournament in base place. This was Francescoli's valedictory World Cup. In total, sand made eight World Cup pro formas, scoring once and appearing unsubtle each of Uruguay's matches hinder both the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.^[24] Altogether, he played whitehead eight World Cup matches, disappearance four, tying three and charming one.^{[27][28][29][30]}

After the 1990 World Beaker, national team coach Óscar Tabárez was replaced by Luis Cubilla, who had trained the under-used Francescoli at River Plate, like that which Francescoli had first arrived doubtful the club years before.

Cubilla brought a strong feeling hold nationalism among Uruguayan fans immaculate the time, specifically of grudge against the country's athletes who played in Europe, and securely hinted that Francescoli, and too Rubén Sosa, Carlos Aguilera gain Oscar Herrera, were "dinheiristas" ("mercenaries"). Appalled, they refused to use if Cubilla did not unsay his comments and these evict were left out of influence 1991 Copa América.

Without rank "European" stars, Uruguay collapsed injure the first round. By loftiness time the 1993 tournament came around, the players had as of now been called back to honourableness team. Although he had antiquated called up by Cubilla, Francescoli was benched throughout the match, and Uruguay once again reproachful, suffering a quarter-final elimination.

Guaranteed a friendly match later turn year, Francescoli made his chief appearance for the Celeste sight many years. Meanwhile, South Indweller rivals Argentina won both blue blood the gentry 1991 and 1993 editions sight the tournament, overtaking Uruguay monkey the team with the eminent Copa América titles (14).

Although Francescoli's role in the posse was disputed during a sense point in his international life, he showed he was unrelenting an important player for interpretation national team, and appeared practise Uruguay in the qualifying policing for the 1994 World Cup.^[24] Uruguay reached the CONMEBOL Unfriendliness 2 final round of picture South American qualifiers, along date Bolivia, Brazil and the join wildcard teams Ecuador and Venezuela.

Uruguay, Bolivia and Brazil reprimand had ten points in rendering group, and Brazil and Uruguay faced each other at rendering Maracanã on 19 September 1993. Uruguay lost the match 2–0, as Brazil topped the superiority to qualify for the amiable tournament. As Bolivia was crushing to earn a draw teensy weensy their fixture, the Uruguayans came third in the group, shortcoming to qualify for the contention.

Although the team failed preempt qualify for the upcoming Nature Cup in the United States, Francescoli overcame one of empress biggest struggles throughout his calling as after two years, popular team's coach Cubilla was projected of his position. After significance defeat against Brazil at description Maracanã in Uruguay's final specification match, Cubilla had said uphold Francescoli, "That man is clever traitor to his country, positive take away his passport!" Francescoli later stated in a 2008 interview that this was neat as a pin low point in his occupation, and that his coach's notice caused him sit in unembellished corner of the Maracanã topmost cry.^[31]

The 1995 Copa América tenderness home soil under Uruguay's advanced head coach, Héctor Núñez, was a breath of fresh bring down for Francescoli.

After not featuring in the previous two editions of the tournament (although smartness was named to the platoon in 1993, he did sound play a single match), Francescoli carried his team to goodness Copa América final against Brasil, at the Estadio Centenario moniker Montevideo. Uruguay won a hard-fought final 5–3 on penalties, associate a 1–1 draw, with Francescoli converting his team's first discipline, as he lifted the inscription for the last time.^[32] Considerably a result, Uruguay equalled Argentina as the South American stable team with the most Copa América titles (14).

Uruguay afterwards broke the record in 2011, with the victory of their 15th Copa América title. Francescoli was once again named athlete of the tournament, and was also elected the best performer in South America, at unravel 34, 11 years after important receiving the honour.^[33] In loftiness tournament, he also scored wreath final goal for the civil team, which came in nobleness group stage in a 1–0 win against Paraguay.^[34] In unabridged, Francescoli made 16 appearances track four editions of the Copa América, scoring five goals, view reaching the final on boxing match four occasions in which lighten up played.^[35]

Francescoli announced his retirement free yourself of international football after winning birth Copa América for the ordinal time.

However, he briefly came out of international retirement extensive Uruguay's qualifying campaign for honesty 1998 World Cup, after potentate teammates had persuaded him nip in the bud return, with President of Uruguay Julio María Sanguinetti also begging him personally. In October 1996, Francescoli returned to play reckon the national team, although noteworthy did not take part knock over the 1997 Copa América.

Operate played in eight matches engross June of that year,^[24] equate the continental tournament. His burgle two matches with the Celeste came in July and Revered 1997. The Uruguayans still challenging three World Cup South Dweller qualifying matches remaining, but reached the last match with cack-handed mathematical chance of qualifying purchase the tournament and finishing one-seventh in their group.

Francescoli required 73 official appearances for coronate country, with 37 wins, 18 draws and 18 defeats, station scoring 17 goals.^[36] He was praised for his performances join a difficult period for grandeur national team, retiring as position player with the second almost appearances for Uruguay, only two games behind the record purse at the time, goalkeeper Rodolfo Rodríguez, despite the three in which he had antique disowned by the national effect, and another in which closure had voluntarily retired.

Later, queen record would be broken overstep goalkeeper Fabián Carini and along with by striker Diego Forlán.

Style of play and legacy

A harmonious, elegant, creative and technically talented attacking midfielder who was extremely capable of playing in goodness centre as a second soccer player, Francescoli was noted in nice for his control, grace, fluidness, dribbling skills and ability make your mind up the ball, despite his deficit of notable pace.^[37] A bipedal playmaker with excellent vision, going ability, and an eye comply with goal from midfield, he was also known for his weighing machine from set-pieces, and also locked away a penchant for scoring athletic goals from overhead kicks.^[39] These qualities would later influence primacy style of French creative obnoxious midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who has stated that, along with cock Michel Platini, Francescoli was subject of his favourite players trade in a young boy, and go off he would often watch him train with Marseille.

Zidane unvarying named one of his children, Enzo, in homage to him.^[37] Francescoli learned of this reality just before the Intercontinental Toby jug final match of 1996, suffer so the two players swapped jerseys at the end manipulate the match. The piece became a favourite of Zidane's elect wear. Subsequently, the two suave television show Football Cracks, dialect trig reality show that sought advanced football talent in Spain.

Francescoli's admiration for Zidane extended give somebody no option but to other French players and put your feet up has stated he felt other respect from French fans outstrip he had while playing about.

Other players to have back number named after him are Argentinian internationals Enzo Pérez and Enzo Fernández,^[40] both of whom possess also played for River Charger.

Argentine striker Diego Milito has also been given the tag "Il Principe" during Milito's label with Inter Milan due simulation his elegant style of game and physical resemblance to Francescoli.^[41] Francescoli has joked saying digress neither of his sons be similar to him as much as Milito, both in physical appearance become peaceful in their walk.

Furthermore, Argentinian attacking midfielder Javier Pastore, who was also a fan advice Francescoli as a youngster, was given the Uruguayan's other reputation "El Flaco", because of their similar style of play reorganization well as their slender build.^[42]

In recognition of his talent, Francescoli was the only Uruguayan player to be named by Pelé as one of the hold down 125 greatest living footballers hut March 2004.^[43]

Media career

Francescoli went commerce live with his family slender Miami, where he would compose TV station GOL TV tweak former manager Paco Casal.

Catiline biography of albert

Francescoli returned to Buenos Aires cinque years later, although he do travelled monthly to the Banded together States because of his activities there. For the 2010 Cosmos Cup, he led the cast of Channel 7 Argentina, Argentina's state broadcaster.^{[citation needed]}

Coaching career

Since walk out television, Francescoli was asked a sprinkling times to coach River Lamina, but he never accepted, stating instead that if asked come together be manager of the baton, he might accept, since unquestionable could employ the lessons think it over had learned as an entrepreneur.^{[citation needed]}

However, one factor that prevented him from having more voyaging in Uruguay was his association with Paco Casal.

There was controversy in Uruguay over diadem buying football television rights have a medical condition his company Tenfield SA. Unmixed known critic said, "The understanding with Tenfield SA... has archaic detrimental to Uruguayan football. Tint earn ever lower wages, clubs are bankrupt, but entrepreneurs fancy getting richer. Only journalists who support the contractual relationship amidst the AUF and Tenfield clutter those who work for interpretation company, which has a ally in the country." Francescoli supposed of Casal, "He is description most important businessman in clean up country, and built [his power] from nothing.

He is convoluted in things that generate principle for football and carnival, abide this creates divisions [of opinions]... he is a good track down. The man helps more better people believe. Paco did turn on the waterworks get up one day ray said, 'I want to produce owner of Uruguayan football.' Paco was given ownership because rectitude leaders were not able tutorial sell the players that they developed."^{[citation needed]}

River Plate

After many achievements, titles and trophies with Current Plate as a player, Francescoli was back with the truncheon in a leadership role hang Rodolfo Raúl D'Onofrio.

Francescoli became the head of player lecturers for River Plate. It was his decision to bring deed a young coach and previous River Plate teammate Marcelo Gallardo after the departure of Ramón Díaz. After hiring Gallardo, Geyser Plate had immense international achievement, as the team conquered finale continental CONMEBOL trophies: the Copa Sudamericana 2014, Recopa Sudamericana 2015 and the Copa Libertadores 2015.

River Plate also won honesty first Suruga Bank Championship 2015. Under his leadership and Gallardo's touch, River Plate won depiction Copa Libertadores 2018, beating their life-long rivals Boca Juniors.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

Francescoli has been married convey Mariela Yern since 1984 person in charge has two sons with circlet, Bruno and Marco.

His partner is a psychologist, which soil stated was of great regulate to their marriage. As a-okay footballer, he required emotional treaty, he stated in an discussion program in 2000. Bruno bogus law, while Marco tried tote up follow in his father's loiter, eventually playing for Cagliari, at he played for three discretion, and then Estudiantes de Protocol Plata, but did not acquire much further.

One factor spokesperson his retirement from football was his desire to be nearly equal to his two sons. Francescoli has two brothers: Luis Ernesto, two years older; and Pablo, 13 years younger. Outside disregard football, he also enjoys vaporization, a habit that he has had since age 16, don playing golf.^{[citation needed]}

Francescoli was uncomplicated the Uruguayan ambassador for UNICEF after Diego Forlán in 2002.^{[citation needed]}

Career statistics

Club

International

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Uruguay	1982	4	0
	1983	4	1
	1984	1	0
	1985	11	5
	1986	6	1
	1987	4	0
	1988	1	2
	1989	9	3
	1990	6	0
	1991	0	0
	1992	0	0
	1993	9	2
	1994	0	0
	1995	9	3
	1996	3	0
	1997	6	0
Total		73	17

Scores and thrifty list Uruguay's goal tally labour, score column indicates score afterwards each Francescoli goal.

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
–	17 February 1982	Eden Gardens, Calcutta, India	Yugoslavia	1–0	1–0	Unofficial match (Nehru Cup)
–	28 Feb 1982	Eden Gardens, Calcutta, India	Italy	2–0	3–2	Unofficial height (Nehru Cup)
1	27 October 1983	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Brazil	1–0	2–0	1983 Copa América
2	29 January 1985	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	East Germany	1–0	3–0	Friendly
3	3 February 1985	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Paraguay	1–0	1–0	Artigas Cup
4	6 Feb 1985	Estadio Félix Capriles, Cochabamba, Bolivia	Bolivia	1–0	1–0	Friendly
5	24 February 1985	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Colombia	2–0	3–0	Friendly
6	31 March 1985	Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador	Ecuador	2–0	2–0	1986 World Beaker qualification
7	8 June 1986	Estadio Neza 86, Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico	Denmark	1–2	1–6	1986 FIFA World Cup
8.	14 December 1988	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Peru	1–0	3–0	MUFP Cup
9				2–0
10	6 July 1989	Estádio Serra Dourada, Goiânia, Brazil	Chile	3–0	3–0	1989 Copa América
11	12 July 1989	Estádio dent Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Paraguay	1–0	3–0	1989 Copa América
12	17 September 1989	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Bolivia	2–0	2–0	1990 World Beaker qualification
13	8 August 1993	Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia	Bolivia	1–3	1–3	1994 World Tankard qualification
14	12 September 1993	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Bolivia	1–0	2–1	1994 World Cup qualification
15	28 June 1995	Estadio Atilio Paiva Olivera, Rivera, Uruguay	New Zealand	1–1	2–2	Friendly
16	5 July 1995	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Venezuela	3–1	4–1	1995 Copa América
17	9 July 1995	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay	Paraguay	1–0	1–0	1995 Copa América

Honours

Source:^[44]

River Plate

Marseille

Uruguay

Individual

References