Roque Santa Cruz, the iconic Paraguayan striker who once dazzled the world as a "flower boy," has proven that his love for football is eternal. At 43 years old, he remains active and a key player for Club Libertad, one of the leading teams in the Paraguayan league.
On February 17th, Santa Cruz reached a historic milestone in his career, playing his 1000th professional match. It was in the 5th round of the Paraguayan league against Sportivo Ameliano, where he came on as a substitute at the Estadio Tigo La Huerta in Asunción.
Santa Cruz, the all-time top scorer for the Paraguayan national team, is a true symbol of football in his country. His talent and charisma made him an idol for many young Paraguayans who dreamed of following in his footsteps.
Despite injuries that marked his career, Santa Cruz managed to shine in European football, especially at Bayern Munich, where he played for eight seasons and won numerous titles. He also played for other important clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Real Betis and Malaga.
In 2016, Santa Cruz returned to Paraguay to play for Club Olimpia, the team where he started his career. There, he was able to fulfill his desire to play in front of his countrymen and share his passion for football with them.
In an interview with the German newspaper Bild, Santa Cruz explained that his return to Paraguay was motivated by the desire that young Paraguayans could see him play live, since many of them had only seen him on television while playing in Europe.
In addition, Santa Cruz mentioned that his son was also a great motivation to continue playing, as he wanted to show him what he was capable of on the field.
The secret of Santa Cruz's longevity, according to himself, is taking care of his body. He learned to manage it from an early age, after suffering several injuries and surgeries. He also highlighted the importance of his passion for football, which has driven him to continue playing despite the difficulties.
Roque Santa Cruz is an example of perseverance, dedication and love for football. His story inspires young and old to follow their dreams and fight for what they love. Without a doubt, he is a player who has left an indelible mark on Paraguayan and world football.
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