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How did Juan Manuel Vargas join Universitario de Deportes?

'El Loco' became an idol in one of the most popular teams in Peruvian football thanks to his commitment and lethal shots with the cream jersey. Learn more about the history of the lefty who was born in Magdalena del Mar and showcased his talent in teams like Colón de Santa Fe, Fiorentina, Genoa, and Real Betis.

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Juan Manuel Vargas had a brief stint in the youth divisions of Universitario de Deportes, but due to complications, he couldn't continue going to training, without imagining that destiny would bring him back to the 'U'. Later on, during one of his 'pick-up games', César 'Chalaca' Gonzales saw him playing on the fields of La Alameda de Miraflores club and immediately contacted him, taking him to the club of his dreams to continue doing what he loved.

Juan Manuel Vargas won over all Universitario de Deportes fans from the first match he played in the Peruvian first division. On November 24, 2002, Cienciano won 3-2 at the Monumental Stadium, and the cream goals were scored by Hernán Rengifo and 'Chuky', as he was known at the time. The lefty scored a great goal from almost midfield, confirming that he had arrived in the first team to stay.

In his first stint with Universitario de Deportes, Juan Manuel Vargas played 72 matches and scored 8 goals. His last goal before moving to Colón de San Fe in Argentina was against Sporting Cristal. His first international experience was in 2005, and he continued to stand out, scoring an amazing goal with the 'sabaleros' that caught the attention of teams in Europe, with Italy being his next destination.

Juan Manuel Vargas' Career

Image | Wikipedia

▶He plummeted! Juan Vargas went from being worth millions to being without a team: this is how the 'Crazy' price dropped in the market

Juan Manuel Vargas signed for Catania in mid-2006. 'El Loco' quickly became loved for his long-range shots, so Fiorentina set their sights on him and signed him in 2008. After several seasons in Serie A, where he also played for Genoa, the Peruvian switched from Serie A to LaLiga.

Video | YouTube

In 2015, he joined Real Betis for his last season in the 'Old Continent.' He didn't shine much with the Seville team, with only a great free-kick goal being notable in his Spanish experience. A few months later, he returned to Peruvian football to play for Universitario de Deportes.

Video | Fútbol en América

His second stint with Universitario started in 2017. 'El Loco' scored 4 goals in 26 matches. Although he wasn't physically 100%, his temperament and what he transmitted on the field were key for the merengues to escape the relegation zone.

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