Chucho Benitez: One month after his death

One month has pases since  the death of Ecuadorian soccer player Christian “Chucho” Benitez, who passed away in Qatar after a cardiac arrest, just days after arriving to the city to play for his new team, Al Jaish

Christian is still considered one of the top scorers of the Ecuadorian soccer history. In the country, he had an outstanding participation in El Nacional soccer team, and wore the yellow, blue and red shirt for the national team, in the World Cup 2006, he was nominated for the Gillette Award for Best Young Player of the Cup.

His talent crossed borders achieving recognition in the Mexican, English and Arabic soccer.

Chucho played for Santos Laguna, where he established himself as one of the best foreign strikers in the Mexican League. Two years later, became champion of the closing tournament. Then he had a brief experience  in English soccer with Birmingham City soccer Club (2009-2010). Christian returned to Santos Laguna and signed for three more seasons. But, in May 22, 2011,  Chucho became part of America soccer team, also from Mexico, and was transferred for more tan $10 million. His involvement made him three-time top individual Scorer (closing tournament 2012, Opening tournament 2012 and closing tournament 2013).

On July 6, 2013, the club confirmed the signing from the Qatari club El Jaish SC, which paid about USD 18 million for the full transfer of the striker. Chucho could not performe or complete a training date due to problems with his health, days after his arrival to the Arab country. On July 29 Christian “Chucho” Benitez died in Qatar.

In Guayaquil’s Cathedral was held a mass in his honor, while in Quito family and followers of the late athlete brought flowers, cards and photos to his grave at the Monteolivo cemetery.