The Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium will be the scene this Saturday, December 20, of the tribute match to Mario Alberto Yepes, historic captain of the Colombian National Team, in a meeting that will bring together emblematic figures of national and international football and that will mark his symbolic farewell to professionalism in front of the Cali fans.
“It makes me very happy that one of my great childhood idols is here with me”he said when referring to Carlos ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama, whom he highlighted as “flagship captain of our team.”
Yepes also thanked the presence of international figures such as Javier Saviola and David Trezeguet, with whom he shared the court and forged a close relationship.
Regarding the former Argentine forward, he said: “I met him at River and from there we have a nice friendship, that’s why he is here accompanying me.” As for Trezeguet, he stated: “He is someone I love, value and I thank him for accepting the invitation, not only to play this game, but to come to see my land, to get to know Cali.”
The former defender explained that the objective of the event is not commercial, but symbolic. “This was not a business. What we wanted was to bring people to Cali and to the captains who have passed through our team,” he expressed.
Carlos ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama, one of the central guests of the tribute, expressed his satisfaction for being present and highlighted the value of the generation led by Yepes. “It has been the best selection and the results have been given”he highlighted.
Valderrama also anticipated a full stadium and celebrated the public’s support. In a subsequent dialogue, the former midfielder reaffirmed his connection with the capital of Valle del Cauca. “I always like to come to Cali,” he said. “For me it is a special city because of everything it gave me. Here I exploded as a footballer and people are very fond of me,” he said.
From the international level, Javier Saviola described his participation as a privilege. “It is an honor because, apart from having been a teammate, someone with whom I spent years at River and then also competing against, he with the Colombian National Team and I with the Argentine National Team, we have created a great friendship,” he said.
The former Argentine player indicated that the meeting will be dedicated exclusively to the honoree: “It will be an afternoon purely and exclusively for Mario, so that he feels supported by his people.”
Saviola also praised the environment in Colombia and Cali. “The people here always treat us wonderfully. It is a place you always want to return to because of the treatment and because it is a very warm city in every sense,” he said.
For his part, David Trezeguet highlighted the atmosphere that will be experienced at Pascual Guerrero. “From what I have been told, the stadium will be packed, and for us that is a reason for satisfaction,” he said.
For the former French forward, the most important thing is that the public enjoys: “That people can have fun with us tomorrow (…) and that Mario has his well-deserved party, because beyond the player, he is a great person.”
The Secretary of Sports of Cali, Alexánder Camacho, highlighted the relevance of the event for the city and thanked Yepes for choosing it as the venue for his farewell. “It is very exciting to be next to these constellations of stars that made us enjoy football for many years,” he said.
