Not So Fast: Ariel Ortega’s Move to River Called Off
By: Christian | February 5th, 2009The Clausura season hasn’t even started, but River Plate fans are already getting their first bit of bad news.
Ariel Ortega will not be joining River for the upcoming season after all, based on reports out of Argentina last night. Despite the news yesterday that a deal had been reached between Independiente Rivadavia and a third party business deal to bring the play maker back to the squad, club directors instead axed the deal entirely, leaving no doubt that el Burrito will not be rejoining the team this season.
At issue was the price Ortega would have cost the club, nearly a half a million dollars for the cost of the transfer and weekly wages. With Ortega set to return at the end of next season to the club anyway (he is after all on loan to the second division club), the board felt it was una locura, craziness, to have to pay that kind of money for a player they will get for free in a few months.
While that argument certainly makes financial sense, this is yet another blunder by River’s President Jose Aguilar and the board of directors when dealing with Ortega. Rather then coming to a decision quickly on the matter, they instead let on that el Burrito was set to return, and now look like complete imbeciles who have deceived their fan base, who were hopeful of a Ortega return.
It’s another example of a club that seems to have no idea what it is doing, both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
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Comments
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The Fat Man is a liability, can’t wait until he leaves.
Posted from
United States
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I can’t wait either.
Posted from
Canada -
It is extortionate really to have to pay that amount for a player they themselves own, but I do wonder if it might actually be worth it. Ortega is a symbol of River Plate, an icon to the fans. Having him back would give the whole club a huge lift and help them get over their awful Apertura campaign last season and look to a fresh start.
Even if he does end up getting drunk and missing training within 2 weeks.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
I’m perfectly in favor of the club moving on from Ortega dependence; the man is of course a legend but he’s both a blessing and a curse and relying on him is Russian roulette. However this team is in great need of leadership and this political drama isn’t exactly going to give River the morale boost it needs. I just hope someone who actually cares about this club can defeat the suits.
Posted from
Canada -
I don’t understand why the squad is so big, why the emphasis is always on buying, and why our conveyer belt of youngsters has come to a grinding halt?
It’s a disgrace and I can’t help look in envy at what’s happening with the shit shovellers!
Posted from
United States -
Fabbiani and Barbosa come in…… why?
Posted from
United States -
Not sure about Barbosa, I can’t complain about Fabbiani. It’s easy to be self-righteous but River really needs more firepower. However this club doesn’t seem to have any direction, that’s for sure, and its frustrating.
Posted from
Canada
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