Hernán Darío Gómez bids farewell to Panama after historic qualification to Russia 2018

"Sometimes it is difficult to move your feet from where the heart is." That's how Hernán Darío Gómez began the letter in which he bid farewell to Panama and all those who supported him during his process that culminated in the historic qualification to Russia 2018.

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"Sometimes it is very difficult to move your feet from where the heart is, and that's what happens to me with the Panama National Team, where I have put my heart, work, and effort to achieve a dream that I entered with all Panamanians on February 15, 2014, the dream of Panama being in the World Cup of football," said Hernán Darío Gómez in his heartfelt letter.

The 'Bolillo' also explained that while he experienced good moments, he also went through bad ones during his time as Panama's coach, but managed to overcome them to the point of reaching Russia 2018.

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"I have fought from inside the field with many obstacles, that's why some will speak well of me and I thank them, but others will speak badly and I thank them even more, because from rivals and adversities, a true team flourishes," he explained.

"Panama is now an example of unity and love," emphasized Hernán Darío Gómez and added "showing other countries the human quality of being Panamanian, with behavior of great stature in such a grand scenario, making themselves known in the world as a united, joyful, and hopeful people, sending a great message from the stage of the World Cup that says: 'here is the national team for a while'."

The experienced coach closed his letter by sincerely thanking the FEPAFUT directors, the members of the main team, and all those who contributed to the progress of Central American soccer.

The new destination for the 'Bolillo' would be the Ecuadorian national team. The latest reports from the northern press assure that he is ready to sign a contract for the next four years, during which the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers will take place.

For Hernán Darío Gómez, the experience in Ecuador is not new, as he was the coach who led the South Americans to a World Cup for the first time in their history. This feat took place in 2002 during the Korea-Japan tournament.