TRI dedicated its classification to “Chucho” Benitez

“I think Christian will be happy that his partners are in the Brazil World Cup,” were the words of Ermen Benitez, father of the late Ecuadorian striker Christian “El Chucho” Benitez.

“I feel joy for what this (classification) is for Ecuadorians. But at the same time I feel nostalgia and sadness, because my son, who was part of this process and had made an excellent campaign, is bit here right now,” said excited after match between La TRI against Chile, in which was confirmed the Ecuadorian participation in the next world Cup Brazil 2014 .

During the match, Mr Ermen was calm and sparing, but acknowledged that his son, The Panterita, would be proud of his team-mates.

“Christian were always helpfull, skilled, was a difficult player to mark. He was never quite, and I liked that about him,” said his father, who confessed to regret not seeing him in Brazil and that he would have liked to have the privilege to go along with his generation, in a World Cup.

In life, Christian played for teams like El Nacional, Barcelona, Liga de Quito; then he  participated in international clubs like Santos Laguna and America (Mexico), Birmingham City (England) and his latest El Jaish SC (Qatar). Christian Benitez played for Ecuador in World Cup Germany 2006.

Yesterday, players, coaches and team leaders have dedicated to Chucho classification and country lanes reminding fans celebrated with singing and even tears.