The Controversy Surrounding Claudio Pizarro

Peru is divided when it comes to Claudio Pizarro. One group does not wish for his return to the National Team, while another group eagerly awaits his call-up for the 2018 World Cup. Leading this second group is Erick Osores, who sees Pizarro's return as a positive move in the absence of Paolo Guerrero.

"People have a lot of hatred towards Pizarro. He doesn't play in the Cypriot League, but in the Bundesliga. He may not be a regular starter, but it's only logical to consider him as an option if Paolo is absent. It would be illogical to not have him," said Erick Osores on América TV.

Gareca will submit a preliminary list to FIFA in the coming days, and for Osores, this list will include Pizarro, Benavente, Beto da Silva, and other players who did not participate in the final stages of the World Cup qualification.

"When Oblitas has his say, he won't want Pizarro. I know he doesn't like him, but it's not about whether you like me or not, my friend. You have to do what's sensible and logical. What benefits you the most. He will have to respect that, whether he likes it or not," added Osores.

On the other hand, Pizarro was compared to Miroslav Klose, Germany's all-time leading goal scorer who played in his last World Cup at the age of almost 40. "I think it's difficult for Gareca to take both Paolo and Pizarro," concluded Osores.