San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Mourning in Honduran football, grief and tears. A warrior, a glory who fought strongly, but lost the battle against COVID-19. Died Luis Cruz.
The deadly virus hit the family of the former World Cup defender from Spain 82 and all of Honduras on Wednesday. The nation weeps for the one who gave it all, for the one who defended it from the heart on the field.
That bicolor that proudly represented us loses another legend, another emblem that broke its chest against Ireland in that remembered 1-1 draw.
He is the fifth ex-world champion to lose his life, José Roberto “Macho” Figueroa, Javier Toledo, Domingo Drumond and Roberto Bailey died earlier.
A WARRIOR
My father fought like a warrior, but it was God’s will to take an angel. I thank Leonardo Martínez hospital staff for doing everything they can to save his life, ”said his daughter, journalist Ingrid Cruz, in tears.
The 68-year-old former soccer player lived in New Orleans, United States, but came on vacation to see his family and became infected. He was hospitalized at Leonardo Martínez Hospital for almost a month, where he died.
An attempt was made to transfer him to a hospital in the United States to save his life, but because of his condition, the doctors proposed not to make the trip.
“I am very saddened by the death of Luis, my heart is broken. He leaves us a great person who was also a great footballer, ”said Carlos Caballero, a former World Cup player.
His family leaves behind his wife Juanita Yanes Bueso de Cruz and their children Jenny, Luis and Ingrid Carolina.
ROUTE
The former player is considered one of the best defenders in the history of Honduran football. He has played as a center or left back and has played in more than 340 National League games.
In addition to a World Cup with the Bicolor led by Chelato Uclés, former player Catracho stood out with the Motagua shirt, with which he made his debut in the National League of Honduras. In the World Cup he played in the game against Northern Ireland.
He was also part of Real España, Atlético Morazán and Universidad, he stated at the time that he had the conditions to succeed abroad, but he couldn’t make that dream come true.
Luis Cruz has won two First Division titles in the National League, one with Motagua and the other with Real España.
After that, he embraced a coaching career, working on the Real España 2000 talent project and several promotion teams.
Honduras is appalled, he leaves us a symbol and we are left with shame, pain for his death and a deep sadness for not saying goodbye to him as he deserves. May God and Heaven receive you Luis Cruz.