Alfonso García Miró, general manager of Sporting Cristal, commented on the departure of Carlos Lobatón, who announced his departure from the team through social media after 15 years.
"It wasn't an economic issue, we wanted him to continue in an important role in the club and I think we've been preparing him for that since 2016 or 2017. But I understand that at this moment he doesn't think that's the best option," said García Miró on the program Fútbol como Cancha de RPP Noticias.
Despite this, the top executive of Sporting Cristal said that he will try to convince Lobatón to change his mind and continue with the club. "I hope to persuade him that he can still have an important role in another position, Cristal is his home. It's difficult to ask him to stop playing. I don't want to put myself in his shoes, but there will come a time when he has to face it," he added.
García Miró also acknowledged that he did not agree with how the departure of the 39-year-old player became known. "It was something we didn't want anyone to know or leak. We would have loved for it to be with him, in a press conference, together, but we respect what Carlos feels comfortable with," he emphasized.
It should be noted that Lobatón thanked the Sporting Cristal fans in his farewell statement. "I will continue my path, ready to keep dreaming awake like when I was a child, trying to bring joy to another club. I will always carry you in my heart," he said.