Ariel Ortega
was a clever attacking midfielder who became a legend in Argentine football defending the colors of
River PlateThe popular 'Burrito', who turns 42 today, was probably the last great idol of the "Millonario" squad.
He made his debut in River Plate in 1991 and stayed until 1996. His excellent ability to provide long-distance assists and his unique chipped shot were the trademarks that he left in Argentina.
The 'Burrito' had brief spells abroad. His first adventure was in Spain, precisely in Valencia CF. He didn't last long due to problems with Claudio Ranieri, the team's coach. However, the Argentine '10' is remembered for an important goal against Barcelona in the Camp Nou.
Once his experience in Spain was over, he defended the shirts of Sampdoria and Parma. In the first team, he was considered an exceptional player. He scored 8 goals in 27 matches. However, the best one was against Inter Milan. It was a sublime shot that left the goalkeeper perplexed.
Ariel Ortega
could have been a maximum reference of Argentine soccer abroad, but his constant indiscipline left him out. That's why he returned to his beloved
River Platewhere he had three stints.
In the Argentine national team, Ariel Ortega inherited the number 10 jersey from Diego Armando Maradona. It was believed that he would be his successor, but it all remained an illusion.
Despite that, he had his moments of glory. He played in three World Cups and left his mark in rival goals. Ortega retired from football in 2012 in the modest team of Defensores de Belgrano, from the third division of Argentine football.
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