One of the foreigners that the Alianza Lima fans remember with the most affection is the Chilean Rodrigo Pérez, who was a protagonist of the 2006 national championship. The left-back arrived at La Victoria team with a great reputation, as he had been one of the most outstanding athletes in his country, having played for many years with the Chilean national team.
The 49-year-old former footballer spent very little time in the blanquiazul squad, as he only arrived for the Torneo Clausura and the following year he returned to Cobreloa in his country, so many Intimos fans lost track of him. Find out in the following note what happened to his life.
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What happened to Rodrigo Pérez?
After leaving Alianza Lima, Rodrigo Pérez returned to Cobreloa, the club where he stayed for only one season. Subsequently, he played for Unión Española (2008) and Deportes Concepción (2009) in the second division. His last team was Deportes Iquique, with which he achieved promotion and won the Copa Chile title in 2010, before hanging up his boots in 2011.
Rodrigo Pérez defending the Alianza Lima shirt. Photo: Líbero.
After retiring, the Rancagua-born player studied to become a football coach. One of the first teams he coached was the INAF (National Institute of Football, Sport and Physical Activity) national team. In addition, he started his own soccer school and played for the Chilean showball team.
In 2018, he had his first opportunity to coach professionally. The team was Cobreloa, the club where he became a three-time champion between 2003 and 2004, and reached the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. However, his time as a coach was not as successful as his time as a player, which is why he was dismissed in the same season.
Rodrigo Pérez coached Cobreloa in 2018, but he did not have the same success as he had as a player. Photo: En el Camarín.
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Rodrigo Pérez and his love for Alianza Lima
Despite more than 15 years have passed since his time at Alianza Lima, Rodrigo Pérez doesn't forget the blanquiazul team. A few weeks ago, before the last classic match, he sent a message of support on social media that said the following: “Arriba, Alianza, the greatest success in this new classic that we win”.
Rodrigo Pérez visiting the Alianza squad. Here with 'Zorrito' Aguirre and Josepmir Ballón. Photo: Alianza Lima.
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