Days later, he believes that his actions in the clash between Chile and Uruguay in the group stage of the Copa América 2019 were wrong. Defender Gonzalo Jara stated, prior to the semifinals between his country and Peru, that he regrets tripping the fan who jumped onto the field in the Group C match on June 24th of last year.
"The truth is that I wouldn't do it again because I have a family and children, and I was scolded," said Gonzalo Jara in a press conference in Porto Alegre before the match between the Chilean National Team and their Peruvian counterparts. He stated that he knew that, according to the rules, he could be punished.
Jara also explained that he did it to quickly resolve the fan's intrusion, which interrupted the game on the final matchday of the group stage, although he emphasized that he did not intend to "attack" the intruder. The Chilean defender brought down a fan disguised with a chicken mask who had jumped onto the pitch at the Maracanã, in one of the tournament's most curious images.
The defender would not be part of the starting lineup this Wednesday in the semifinal match against Peru. He highlighted that his move to Estudiantes last year from the Universidad de Chile gave him "greater demands" and was key for Reinaldo Rueda to call him up for the Copa América.
"I'm a little older now but I still believe I can contribute to the national team. I continue to enjoy every moment as if it were the last, I'm happy to be here," added Gonzalo Jara.
(With information from EFE)
► Héctor Herrera officially announced as a new player for Atlético
► Mateo, Messi's son, suffered with Argentina's elimination
► Cover pages after Argentina's defeat and Brazil's qualification
► Reports from Argentina reveal Lionel Scaloni's future