What happened to the “Fantastic Four” of the Peruvian national team

During the Markarian era, the Peruvian press named a group of players the “Fantastic Four”, a name given to them to keep alive the dream of reaching a World Cup and continue with hope in the members of the Peruvian national team. Who were part of this selection? The title fell to Claudio Pizarro, Juan Manuel Vargas, Jefferson Farfan and Paolo Guerrero. They became the face of the bicolor and were the protagonists of the main covers of the sports media, who made editions relating them to “martyrs” of our history. What happened to them and what do they do while the white and red of Gareca tries to get a quota for Qatar 2022?

WHO ARE THE “FANTASTIC FOUR”?

Claudio Pizarro: At the age of 37, the former captain of the national team played his last match in March 2016 against Uruguay in Montevideo. Although he was assured of his place in the Bicolor, his record was enriched by playing in Europe, receiving a series of awards from the Bundesliga when he decided to retire at the age of 41.

“Pizarro had a great career. The Peruvian legend helped his Werder Bremen stay in the Bundesliga in his final campaign,” the winner of 17 trophies in 20 seasons is commented in an official publication.

The last thing that was known about the striker is that he started a new facet as a sports commentator, in addition to experimenting as a German voice actor for the Disney and Pixar film “Coco”.

Juan Manuel Vargas: After his time in the Italian and Spanish league, the 'Loco' returned to Peru in 2017, the year in which he received the proposal to play for Universitario de Deportes. The decision was made with his family because they had to make radio changes. It was the Puma Carranza who finished convincing him. His last match for the Peruvian national team was in March 2016, where he won a 2-2 at the Estadio Nacional. Already in August 2021 he decided to enroll in the Master's Degree in Sports Management at the Johan Cruyff Institute. He is currently still training with experience to be a sports manager.

Jefferson Farfan: his name took over the headlines in the sports press when his return to Peruvian football was officially announced at the club that saw him born, Alianza Lima. This caused real excitement among the fans, who saw him fulfil his promise to play in Matute once again. His family accompanied him at this important moment. His injuries, especially to his knee, have prevented his continuity on the court, and therefore, the failure to call for the Peruvian national team. Despite his status, he has not stopped supporting his teammates who leave everything on the court to get a spot for Qatar 2022. The 'Foquita' has also tried other scenarios, being active on social networks and being the image of well-known companies in the country.

Paolo Guerrero: “What happened to the 'Predator'?” , is the question that many Peruvians have asked themselves in recent years, noting their absence in the key matches of the qualifying rounds. A knee injury kept him out of the courts, causing him to travel to Germany for emergency treatment. He left Brazilian football after being one of the main figures. Regarding your current situation, you do not have a team, although rumors have aroused that you would be in talks to play in the MLS, and of course the proposal to return to Alianza Lima would not be ruled out. Even his compadre Jefferson Farfan has publicly asked for it.

WHAT DID THE 'BOMBER OF THE ANDES' SAY ABOUT THE 'FANTASTIC 4'?

In May 2020, footballer Claudio Pizarro accepted an interview with Spanish statesman MisterChip, who reminded him of his time with the Peruvian national team. During the conversation, the 'Bomber of the Andes' tried to explain why he was the most criticized.

“Because perhaps I was the most successful in some way, who was doing better at that time. The one who scored many goals, the one who polarized Peru with some statement. I imagine that because of the press and some things that were written. People read this kind of thing, somehow I was the point of focus,” he confessed in the live broadcast he connected to.