On December 23, 2020, a day before Christmas, Santiago Escobar was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news surprised the Colombian coach, who heads the Catholic University of Ecuador; And although the following days were very difficult to assimilate, his family, friends and football have strengthened him to move on and live his life with a certain normalcy and a lot of motivation.
“During the pandemic I could not have gone to Medellín, I had not seen myself with my wife, with my children, with my brothers, they have always understood and accepted my profession. I really enjoyed the time I was in Medellín, unfortunately I received the news there. Those early days were very difficult, but as those days passed, I consumed it, accepted it, and gave it to God. Today I am with a good attitude, surrounded by my friends and my family, who have joined me in this process ”, revealed the ‘Sachi’ in dialogue with the ‘Vbar Snail’.
Escobar said, “On January 12, I started treatment, with medication and hormonal blockade. On February 25th I have to return to Medellín and will receive radiotherapy for two months. Then I am in a process of 3 years to recover properly ”.
‘Sachi’ thanked him for the support he has received at Catholic University. “The reception was emotional and special. We have been working with the players for a while and there is empathy and a close relationship with them; in humans they have given me a lot and also in the competition. It was nice to come back,” to be in my passion, namely football, I was 22 years old and I have not rested; I have been lucky to keep up. I want to direct for a long time, I have enthusiasm and it is doing me good at the moment ”, said Escobar, brother of Andrés, the mythical defender who was murdered in 1994.
“My wife and my brothers agreed that I would come to Ecuador. When you have people around me who empower me, who know what I am passionate about in my job, although I enjoy it a lot, I feel calm knowing that they agree with me and support me, and accept what I do . For many it was better that I stayed at home, it was better, but I think the opposite, ”said ‘Sachi’ Escobar, who hopes to direct his team’s first two games in the Copa Libertadores.