LIMA 2019 IN ICA: HUGO SOTIL HOLDS PAN AMERICAN TORCH AND LIGHTS CAULDRON

Excited to see his neighborhood friends: “El Flaco” Bertolotti and “Patalarga” Hugo Sotil returned to Calle Junin in Ica, where the latter grew up and learned the most about football, the sport that helped him join mighty Barcelona in Spain, playing next to the legendary Johan Cruyff. 

Those who have known him since he was a kid called him ‘Ronchera” and were thrilled to see the Peruvian football legend, back in his hometown and ready to finish the relay of 62 Pan American torch bearers, to bring the celebration to an end by lighting the cauldron at José Picasso Peratta stadium. 

The South American champion's authoritative voice commented on the recent second place that the Peruvian football team achieved in Brazil: “I wasn’t very happy because I thought we were going to win. The ball just didn't go in.” Talking about the team coached by Ricardo Gareca, “el Cholo” said: “The team played well. I loved all of them, but the best is Edison Flores. Unfortunately, they aren't playing in top football leagues around the world, maybe because they are putting money first.” 

Sotil was evidently excited to go back to his first house, located at the intersection of Calle Junin and Calle Pisco. He said he was very proud and enthusiastic about being chosen to participate on the Lima 2019 games celebration.