Paolo Guerrero has a contract with UCV until the end of 2024. Photo: LR composition/L1 MAX capture
Last weekend, Paolo Guerrero was involved in a surprising incident with ‘Chicho’ Salas, which has drawn public attention. The Peruvian national team’s top scorer refused to play in the match between César Vallejo and Alianza Lima, despite the instructions given by the coach. One version of events suggests there was a prior agreement for Guerrero not to play and only accompany the team, as he had requested to leave. However, this agreement was not honored.
On Tuesday, July 16, the César Vallejo Club issued a statement stating that Guerrero refused to play and violated “the internal regulations” he has as a club employee. The club also confirmed that the attacker requested his departure, but clarified that this request was not before the 2024 Copa América.
What did Paolo Guerrero and ‘Chicho’ Salas say to each other?
The L1 MAX program aired a video of the scene starring Paolo Guerrero and ‘Chicho’ Salas, with subtitles showing their conversation during the forward’s refusal to enter the field.
“What’s wrong? I can’t play, I don’t feel well” said Guerrero upon seeing ‘Chicho’ Salas approaching him. “Let’s go there, let’s do it. Come on, Paolo, they’re not getting through, they can’t get there” the coach replied.
“I don’t know what they’re doing, I don’t know why they’re playing like that, what can I do?” responded the ‘Predator’. Faced with this, the former Alianza Lima coach had to step aside and minutes later, he instructed Guerrero to sit down.
Statement from César Vallejo following the incident between Paolo Guerrero and ‘Chicho’ Salas
The UCV stated that following the incident at Mansiche, Paolo Guerrero violated internal regulations regarding the fulfillment of his work obligations. For this reason, he was summoned on Monday, the 15th, to present his defense.
“We inform that the player has communicated to the board of directors his intention to unilaterally terminate his contract; therefore, in accordance with his request, last night the corresponding obligations were sent to him to avoid contractual penalties, including those assumed with the sponsors who fully trust this sports project. As an institution, we categorically deny that the player Paolo Guerrero has requested his departure prior to the Copa América. (…) Finally, we hope that for the good of Peruvian football this impasse is resolved as soon as possible; in the meantime, our player will continue training at our facilities,” was part of the statement.
Statement from the César Vallejo Club regarding Paolo Guerrero. Photo: UCV
Alianza Lima’s condition for signing Paolo Guerrero
According to Movistar Deportes journalist David Chávez, the club would be interested in signing Paolo Guerrero only if he manages to free himself from César Vallejo and becomes a free agent.
“Alliance Lima wants Paolo Guerrero as long as he arrives as a free agent. This means that he will have to break his contract with Universidad César Vallejo. The condition for him to join Alianza is that he breaks his contract with Vallejo. That’s why he didn’t play a single minute because, if he played once morest Alianza, he mightn’t play for another club in the Clausura,” he explained.
Paolo Guerrero and César Vallejo: A Contract Dispute and a Refusal to Play
The football world was recently taken aback by a surprising incident involving Peruvian star Paolo Guerrero and his current club, Universidad César Vallejo (UCV). In a match once morest Alianza Lima, Guerrero refused to enter the field despite instructions from coach ‘Chicho’ Salas. This incident has sparked a wave of speculation, with various reports circulating regarding the reasons behind Guerrero’s actions.
The Dispute: A Breakdown of Events
One version of the story suggests that there was a prior agreement between Guerrero and the club for him to only accompany the team and not play due to a request to leave, but this agreement was supposedly not adhered to. However, UCV issued a statement refuting this claim, stating that Guerrero’s request to leave was not before the 2024 Copa América.
UCV’s statement also pointed out that Guerrero violated “internal regulations” as a club employee by refusing to play. The club confirmed Guerrero’s request to leave but stated that it was not a prior commitment. The statement concluded that they hope “this impasse is resolved as soon as possible.”
The Conversation Between Guerrero and ‘Chicho’ Salas
The L1 MAX program released a video capturing the scene between Guerrero and ‘Chicho’ Salas, which provided a glimpse into their exchange. As Salas approached Guerrero, the conversation went as follows:
“What’s wrong? I can’t play, I don’t feel well,” stated Guerrero.
“Let’s go there, let’s do it. Come on, Paolo, they’re not getting through, they can’t get there,” responded Salas, attempting to encourage Guerrero to join the game.
To which Guerrero replied, “I don’t know what they’re doing, I don’t know why they’re playing like that, what can I do?” This exchange clearly highlights the growing tension between the player and the coaching staff.
UCV’s Statement: A Violation of Internal Regulations
Following the incident at Mansiche, UCV clarified that Guerrero had violated internal regulations regarding his employee obligations. As a result, he was summoned to explain his actions on July 15. The club’s statement also emphasized that Guerrero communicated his intention to terminate his contract unilaterally. In response to his request, UCV sent him the necessary paperwork to ensure he doesn’t face any contractual penalties, including those related to sponsors.
Alianza Lima’s Interest in Guerrero
According to journalist David Chávez of Movistar Deportes, Alianza Lima is interested in signing Paolo Guerrero but only on the condition that he becomes a free agent by terminating his contract with César Vallejo. This means that Guerrero cannot have played once morest Alianza during the Clausura season, as it would prevent him from signing with another club for the remainder of the Clausura.
The Future of Paolo Guerrero
The situation surrounding Guerrero’s contract with UCV and his potential move to Alianza Lima remains uncertain. The club’s statement emphasizes their hope for a quick resolution to this impasse. However, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Guerrero’s future plans. With the Copa América approaching, it is crucial to see how this situation unfolds and how it impacts both the player and the Peruvian national team.
