The painful defeat in the playoffs against Australia generated a lot of repercussions among the fans of the Bicolor. Many considered that the presence of Paolo Guerrero could have helped Ricardo Gareca's team in the decisive match; however, the historic goalscorer of the Peruvian national team was recovering from an injury and was not considered.
After the news of the national striker's signing by Avaí FC, the president of this Brazilian team, Júlio César Heerdt, revealed the conversation he had with the striker about the match against the Socceroos. The chairman mentioned that the 'Depredador' had the illusion of playing in the next World Cup.
"When we spoke to Paolo at the beginning, he told us that he wanted to play the Qatar 2022 World Cup with Peru and not qualifying was a great sadness," said the director in an interview with RPP Deportes.
Paolo Guerrero will return to Brazilian soccer. Photo: Twitter capture/Avaí
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Although the striker has already recovered from the knee injury, with the departure of 'El Tigre' Gareca, the uncertainty is focused on his near future with the Blanquirroja. "I haven't talked to Paolo Guerrero about the Peruvian national team, but I think he wants to keep playing at a high level," added the executive.
On the other hand, Heerdt considered that Paolo's experience —having worn the jerseys of Corinthians, Flamengo, and Internacional de Porto Alegre— will be key to facing the final stretch of Brasileirao. "Paolo Guerrero is already 38 years old. He doesn't have the same youth, but he has experience. He has been out for a long time, but technically he is fine and in very good physical shape. He can play football to the fullest," he emphasized.