The story of Ernesto Salazar, from soccer to barbering
Soccer can be the most ungrateful sport there is. It happened to Víctor Valdés and it can happen to anyone. In Peru there are many cases, but few manage to turn the game around and come out victorious. This is the case of Ernesto Salazar, the 'Russian' of the Jotitas who competed in the 2007 U-17 World Cup in South Korea along with Reimond Manco, Eder Hermoza, among others. After suffering an injury, he sought to turn his life around.
And he did it far from the soccer fields, seeking another way to generate income for his growing family, but without giving up his passion. That's why the former midfielder of Juan José Oré's National Team and Alianza Lima found an opportunity to grow as a professional in the barber profession, something he is just as passionate about as soccer.
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"It was through some friends that I got into this," admits the 'Russian' as he cut my hair (Note: He offered to demonstrate his skills by practicing on me, you can see it in the videos accompanying this article). However, he never stops dreaming of returning to the soccer fields. "I'm 27 years old and I still have a lot to give. I hope to find a club this year and continue doing what I love: soccer."
The 'Russian' experienced first-hand the feat of qualifying and playing in a World Cup. That's why he nostalgically celebrates the fact that the national team is in Russia 2018. "It's beautiful. Playing for your country is the most amazing thing that can happen to you, and in a World Cup, even better," he confesses as he remembers anecdotes with his teammates, with whom he has reestablished communication.
"We are planning to get together. I've been talking to some of them, but now we have created a WhatsApp group where we all are." "Have they asked you about your barber shop or if anyone wants to come for a haircut?" - I interrupted. "Yes, there are several," he replied, "they're just waiting for my shop to open, because right now I'm working with a friend. If everything goes well, we are planning to get together this year and change the look of many." He shared.
Acknowledgment: La Esquina Barber Spa (San Martín de Porres)
Ernesto Salazar participated in the 2007 U-17 World Cup in South Korea. (Video: Mauricio Motta)
Note: This article contains more information about Ernesto Salazar.