ECUADOR: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Ecuador's star striker Agustin "El Tin" Delgado prepares for the World Cup

Record ID: 664652

  • Title: ECUADOR: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Ecuador's star striker Agustin "El Tin" Delgado prepares for the World Cup
  • Date: 25th May 2006
  • Summary: OLD HOUSE WHERE AGUSTIN DELGADO GREW UP, WITH HIS FATHER ARTURO WASHING A NEW CAR BESIDE IT. BESIDE THE OLD HOUSE, THE NEW HOUSE WHICH AGUSTIN DELGADO GAVE HIS FATHER ARTURO DELGADO SHOWING A PHOTO OF HIS SON AGUSTIN (2 SHOTS) PHOTO OF AGUSTIN WITH HIS FATHER
  • Embargoed: 9th June 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Ecuador
  • Country: Ecuador
  • Topics: People,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAB1S978OJJ4IVRD4YC9V3HQ6OB
  • Story Text: Agustin Delgado has already made history for his country. In the 2002 World Cup, he scored in Ecuador's match against Mexico to become the first Ecuadorian to score a World Cup goal. Delgado is also the highest scoring player in the history of the Ecuador national team. But this gifted striker, known affectionately as "El Tin", has had a roller coaster ride for the past four years, constantly troubled with injuries and transferring several times.
    Having been immediately snapped up by English club Southampton after his dazzling performance in the last World Cup, knee and back injuries severely curtailed his appearances for the club, and the beleaguered player had to return home several times for medical treatment. After two years with Southampton, he returned to Ecuador in 2004, where he played for Aucas, then for Mexico's Pumas, returning to Ecuador's Barcelona and finally ending up with LDU Quito.
    But his main focus these days is on ensuring that Ecuador improves on its 2002 performance and makes it through the first round in what is only their second ever World Cup.
    "Well, now it's about scoring more goals, and getting through, continuing, not to stick with the first round. I think before, well, we were partying, enjoying everything and we didn't realize that we still had to play. But now it's different. Now even the people are demanding that we win," said Delgado.
    The South American soccer star has already shown his determination, scoring some all-important goals in the qualifying rounds to ensure the country's place in Germany. And Delgado is ready to learn all he can at this year's World Cup, from players and coaches alike.
    "I think most of the coaches there are now are good, they are important and I think the World Cup is even for that, to learn stuff from them," he said.
    Despite his undeniable talent, Delgado has had his share of problems, including a delayed arrival for the America Cup in Peru when he was prevented from leaving his home country by Ecuadorian authorities due to a dispute regarding maintenance payments to his ex wife. His time at Barcelona was also fraught with difficulty, eventually resulting in the club dropping him after accusing him of failing to work hard enough. He finally joined LDU Quito after a messy contractual dispute, but at 31, the star striker is already tired of the toll football is taking on his life. As a result, Delgado has announced he is quitting football as soon as the World Cup is over.
    "I have decided that because logically it's pretty uncomfortable to-ing and fro-ing, it would be uncomfortable for me in those times because of the trips, all that affects me a lot because of my injury," he explained.
    Regardless of how his career ends, the undeniably talented player has already ensured his name will be remembered in his home country of Ecuador. Born into a poor family in the Chota valley, this rags to riches story began with Delgado training on local dirt pitches, alongside the other kids from his humble neighbourhood.
    But he hasn't forgotten his origins. Apart from buying his father a new house and car, the footballer also set up a foundation to help kids from his hometown. And he is still his father's pride and joy. "We went to the World Cup because of him!" Arturo Delgado, the players' father, proudly announced.
    What remains to be seen is exactly how Delgado's at times turbulent career will end. With just over two weeks to go before he faces his final challenge in Germany, Ecuador's great hope is training hard. His team drew Group A in the first round, considered a particularly tough group with hosts Germany, Poland and Costa Rica. Ecuador's first game, against Poland, takes place on June 9.
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