'The doctor'
Jorge Chica Ramirez was known as 'The doctor' and he truly lived up to the nickname that made him a recognized figure in national soccer because he was a medical doctor, a profession he graduated in while being a football player for Barcelona. Chica (1952-2020) passed away on Monday.
A powerful left winger, Chica joined the yellow team in 1974 and remained there for seven seasons, with his best performances being in 1977 and 1978, where he established himself as a starter alongside teammates like Miguel Coronel, Washington Pepe Paes, Victor Ephanor, Juan Madruñero, Nelsinho, and others.
Chica scored two goals in the Clásico del Astillero, both times Barcelona didn't lose when he scored against Emelec. In 1977 he scored in a 1-1 draw against Eduardo 'Ñato' García and another one in 1978. It was 42 years ago on September 17 when Argentinean Anibal Cibeyra scored, for the second consecutive clásico, an olympic goal. However, the goal was not enough to overcome Barcelona, who won 2-1 with goals from Ángel Luis Liciardi and Chica, once again against 'Ñato'.
"I have great memories with Jorge; we lived through important things. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Even after retiring, we used to gather with certain friends to talk, and we had a great companionship with him. He always liked to help, he was a gentleman. I'm very saddened. Just a few days ago, he tried to help Ecuador Figueroa, who is suffering from an illness," said 'Chanfle' Muñoz about Chica.
Specializing in neurosurgery, Chica also worked in several hospitals in New Jersey before returning to the country. In 1980, he closed his cycle in Barcelona by winning the championship. (D)