BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Boca Juniors head coach Miguel Angel Russo died on Wednesday at the age of 69 after a long battle with illness.
Russo, who coached clubs in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain and Colombia over a career spanning 36 years, died at his home in Buenos Aires where he had been receiving palliative care.
"Club Atletico Boca Juniors announces the passing of Miguel Angel Russo with profound sadness," the club said on social media. "Miguel leaves an indelible mark on our institution and will always be an example of joy, warmth, and dedication. We are with his family and loved ones in this time of grief. Farewell, dear Miguel!"
Russo, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, took charge of Boca for a third time in June.
He guided the club to its sixth and most recent Copa Libertadores title during his first spell in charge in 2007 and was also in charge from 2020 to 2021, winning three domestic titles.
Russo's deteriorating health meant he was unable to take charge of Boca's last two games and he was replaced by assistant Claudio Ubeda. Despite being hospitalized several times in the past three months, he continued working closely with his staff.
Other clubs that Russo managed in Argentina included San Lorenzo, Racing Club, Velez Sarsfield, Rosario Central, Lanus and Estudiantes.
He represented Estudiantes as a player between 1975 and 1988, winning league titles in 1982 and 1983. ■
