The news comes from Peru and has filled Barcelona fans with dismay. Hugo Cholo Sotil, the Peruvian player who amazed the world in Johan Cruyff's first season at Barça, has passed away.
The Day Sotil Destroyed Real Madrid at Bernabéu
EL DÍA QUE HUGO ‘CHOLO’ SOTIL DESTRUYÓ AL REAL MADRID!!!
Sotil arrived at Barça in the 1973-74 season in the shadow of the great media transfer of Johan Cruyff. Barça won that league by overwhelming their rivals and defeating Real Madrid at Bernabéu 5-0. El Cholo closed the scoring of the "manita" with a header goal, despite his short stature.
"Cholo, Cholo,": Camp Nou Chanted His Name for Years
Curiously, Camp Nou fell at his feet and not at those of the great star Johan Cruyff. The oldest fans still remember Camp Nou standing and shouting "Cholo, Cholo!"
The Peruvian player won the affection of the public. However, Johan Cruyff was jealous of his loss of prominence. Therefore, the following season he imposed the transfer of his compatriot Johan Neeskens, who has also recently passed away.
Barça didn't win LaLiga again in the four years left Cruyff had as a Barcelona player. Sotil had to spend a year unemployed waiting for his dual nationality.
Franco was still alive and the authorities in Madrid made sure to avoid rushing so that Sotil could play at Barça alongside Cruyff and Neeskens. When he returned, he was no longer the same.
Sotil died at the age of 75 after being hospitalized in a clinic in Lima with serious health problems. The Veterans Association had invited him just a few weeks ago to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club.
That Forward Line with Rexach, Asensi, Cruyff, and Marcial
For history remains the legendary forward line in which he was part alongside Rexach, Asensi, Cruyff, and Marcial.
Sotil returned to Peru in 1977 to play for Alianza de Lima after having excelled at Municipal.
His memory will remain alive in the hearts of Barcelona fans. Few players were as loved as he was by Camp Nou supporters.
Rest in peace, the unforgettable Cholo Sotil.