Walter Samuel: sport achievements and biography

Time is ruthless. Yesterday's eminent athletes gradually go into the shadows, giving way to the younger generation. One of the brightest representatives of the old guard is Walter Samuel.

The famous Argentine defender was born on March 23, 1978 in the town of Laborde. He was brought up by his single mother. Fortunately, she soon had the good fortune to meet a worthy man, and little Walter Lukhan learned what fatherly love was. In gratitude for this, he took the surname of his stepfather - Samuel. Parents since childhood have supported his passion for football and tried to create all the necessary conditions.

The beginning of a professional career

Footballer Walter Samuel stepped on the trail of professional sports at age 18, signing the first contract with Newells Old Boys. Playing for this team in the season 1996-1997, showed such staggering results that the coach constantly put him in the starting lineup for each match. With his ability to drive the ball, the football player was very pleased with the fans and attracted the attention of elite clubs in Latin America.

Soon, he was drawn to the attention of the Argentinean club Boca Juniors, which gave the defender the opportunity to sign a contract for a long-term game. He agreed without hesitation, as he always aspired to grow up as a professional. From 1997 to 2000, he honestly played for his new club. Thanks to good performances, he was always in the starting and the main team. During these three years he played more than 70 matches and scored 4 goals.

A player in a million

What can be the best proof of success in the football world, than what you are buying for 20 million euros? It was in this amount that Walter Samuel treated the Italian club "Roma". He became one of the most expensive Argentine transfers at that time. Cooperation with the "Romans" lasted until 2004. Already in the first season, the football player was fixed on the defender's place, where he spent 4 years. On behalf of this club spoke in 120 matches and scored nine goals.

Perhaps, this contract would have operated even today, but the famous Madrid "Real" drew attention to the football player.

The era of "Real"

Officially, he became a player of this club on July 2, 2004. It was planned that the contract will be signed for 5 years, and Walter will perform at number 19. Incidentally, this is the number that was shown on his T-shirt in "Roma". The management of the Madrid club was worried that the player will have to miss training because of the performances of the Argentine national team at the America's Cup. But he received a successful permission to refuse to participate and with all diligence began to work again.

Strangely enough, but such a good beginning of cooperation did not bring the expected fruits. Only one season was played, 30 games were played and only two goals were scored by Walter Samuel. "Real" was furious. Having paid for it about 25 million euros, the club expected that the defender will not only show an unsurpassed game, but also be able to properly set up defensive techniques in the team. Not having received this, the management unhesitatingly sold the Argentine to Milan "Inter".

Restoring reputation in Milan

In 2005, the player will become a member of the club "Inter". It did not take him long to convince the new bosses in his high qualification. The head coach, Mancini, unconditionally trusted the newcomer and put him in the starting teams. This is what helped the team to gain self-confidence and lose the fear of relying on their colleagues. Everything went like clockwork, but it happened unforeseen: the main defender was injured. But what an example of courage and professionalism was shown to all by Walter Samuel! Photos and videos of this heroic deed have flown around the world. Despite the infernal pain, he finished the game to the end and left the field himself. Having lost it, the team quickly began to fall down in the rating table.

With the return of the Argentine and the arrival of the new coach Jose Mourinho, Inter starts to slowly rise from his knees. These two football titans are developing a new strategy that helps bring the team to the Champions League, where it missed only 3 goals. Fragments of new defensive techniques did not look unless lazy. Walter Samuel gave this club 9 years of his life, played more than 150 matches and forgot more than 10 goals.

In 2014, he leaves the team and on a free agent goes to the Swiss club "Basel". Recently, the press received information that the football player intended to retire, referring to fatigue and age.

Achievements

Command:

• The title of world champion.
• Champion of Argentina.
• The title of the champion of Italy,
• Took Italy's Super Bowl.
• Winner of the championship league.

Personal:

• Rank of the best player of Serie A.

In his last interview, Walter Samuel said he was looking forward to the 2018 World Cup. He said that he understands the seriousness and complexity of the event, but believes that his team will succeed. He is an idol for many young athletes around the world.