What became of..Jorge D'Alessandro

Previously… Jorge D'Alessandro was the goalkeeper of Argentine giants San Lorenzo de Almagro between 1968 and 1974, a golden age for the club, winning four league titles in a row. He produced an excellent display in a friendly match in Spain against UD Salamanca, attracting the attention of the club, who signed him despite fierce opposition from the Argentine Football Federation, which did not allow players under the age of 26 to move abroad.

His achievements… He stayed at Salamanca for nine seasons, seven of which were in the Liga BBVA, and soon became a club legend as well as the player to play the most games for the club in the Spanish top flight (234).

After hanging up his boots… D’Alessandro embarked on a coaching career which would lead him to coaching Atlético Madrid and his beloved Salamanca, who he took charge of in three different spells. He also worked as a commentator for various media companies and opened a sports shop in Salamanca’s Plaza del Mercado. This store is now closed down, but in its place is a placard, in tribute to the former goalkeeper.

Did you know? In a game with Athletic Club at San Mamés on New Years Day in 1978, D’Alessandro suffered a severe blow to the chest. At first it did not appear serious, even though at the end of the game he had blood in his urine. However, his condition worsened on the trip home to Salamanca and he had to be taken into hospital to remove his left kidney. Doctors recommended that the player retire from football, but D’Alessandro refused and returned to the pitch later that season, in a game against Athletic Club, of all teams.