The attacker Marco Ruben had a meteoric passage through Athletico in 2019. In addition to helping win the unprecedented Copa do Brasil trophy, shirt number 9 was notable for having scored a hat trick over Boca Juniors in a 3-0 victory in the Libertadores group stage.
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The historic game completed five years on April 2nd. In an interview with the channel Tretisspecializing in Hurricane news, Marco Ruben, now 37 years old, recalled details of that match.
“We had a ritual. We were all in concentration, always with Lucho, Tomás Andrade and Braian Romero. We spent a lot of time together. The night before, I remember we all got together in a room, listened to music, drank mate and meditated. Everyone wanted to play a great game and beat Boca. I think it worked”, he said about the concentration before the game.
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The center forward also said that that game was “a dream” and that it gave the squad confidence to seek the Copa do Brasil title. “It was the dream game. And I think we were excited about that game. And that made us believe that the team could achieve something important that year,” he revealed.
Finally, Marco Ruben also recalled that the cut he suffered on his face became a symbol of that match. “It was crazy. I remember I ended up cut, with a mark on my face. The trainer topped it with a black band that was very characteristic. There were many feelings, it was absolute happiness for everyone,” he added.
Watch the full interview on Trétis’ YouTube.
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Marco Ruben highlights Lucho’s role in his arrival
Among other topics, striker Marco Ruben spoke about the fundamental role of Lucho González in his arrival. The player said that a phone call from number 3 was decisive in his choice to play for Athletico.
“I remember that, in 2018, I had made the decision to leave Rosário Central to see what happened with my career. I had spent four years at the club where I grew up and stayed for a long time. I remember a call from Lucho González. I had some options to go play in Brazil. And I remember that pleasant conversation. That convinced me to go to Athletico. Fortunately, it was a great decision, I made friends with Lucho and met a spectacular club with which we had a beautiful year”, he stated.
Ruben, who currently plays for Deportivo Maldonado, in Uruguay, also commented that coach Tiago Nunes was “one of the best he had in his career”.
“He was one of the best coaches I had in my career. I experienced a year of training and a sense of expressing what I wanted from the player on the field, unfortunately that year did not end well between him and the club. For me it was very cool, very pleasurable, it was an experience that I still remember today”, concluded the Argentine.
