In an interview with Infobae, former attacking midfielder Facundo Bertoglio discussed his professional career, detailing his time under Diego Maradona, his struggles with a chronic ankle injury, and his current life running a sportswear business while training to become a coach.
From Maradona’s National Team to Europe
Bertoglio emerged as one of the standout players in the local selection that Diego Armando Maradona assembled for friendlies ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Months before the tournament, he scored two goals in an exhibition match against Haiti in Cutral Có, playing alongside Ariel Ortega and Martín Palermo. Following his early success at Colón de Santa Fe, where he broke through to the first division, he was sold to Europe for millions.
Ankle Struggles and Retirement
Now 36 years old, Bertoglio fought osteocondritis in his ankle from the age of 30, extending his playing career to 35 through infiltrations and kinesiology treatments before eventually retiring. He returned to his hometown of San José de la Esquina in Santa Fe and finished his playing days at Centenario. Addressing why he never returned to play for Colón, Bertoglio explained that he decided with his reason rather than his heart, feeling he was not physically well enough to help the team on the pitch.
Current Ventures and Life After Playing
Today, Bertoglio is dedicated to selling sportswear while studying to become a coach with the aspiration of returning to the sidelines. During his interview, he also reflected on his early career at Colón, remembering teammates such as Bichi Fuertes and a memorable match against Boca where he received a severe challenge from Breyner Bonilla.
