The Italian Cup Champion Training with Comunicaciones | The Forward Has Already Been Called Up by Lionel Scaloni to the National Team

Success can be devastating if not interpreted wisely, to avoid falling into feelings of pride. The greatest challenge lies in assimilating it responsibly and then transmitting it as a lesson. Sports, especially football, have many examples of professionals who forgot their past due to their achievements.

Santiago Castro is a player born in San Martín, just 20 years old, who plays for Bologna in Italy. He joined the club after standing out at Vélez Sarsfield and is close to starting his second season there. Castro is on vacation in Buenos Aires, and to maintain his fitness, he decided to start training before the pre-season in Europe.

The young player requested to train at Comunicaciones, of the Primera B Metropolitana, due to his strong ties to the club in the Agronomía neighborhood. “Being here helps me remember where I come from, and it helps my mind stay focused. I really enjoy it here because there are many things I miss in Italy, like having mate in the morning, or staying late to spend more time with the guys, or even sharing a meal,” Castro tells Página/12.

The protagonist lives just a few blocks from that club, where his father and grandfather played, which makes him feel comfortable in that place. “I’m very happy to be here because the people have welcomed me from day one. I’ve come to this club since I was very young, and I have a special affection for it. My dad and my grandfather played here, and I’ve followed Comunicaciones for a long time. For Argentine football, the club’s facilities are in very good condition, and that’s worth highlighting,” he describes.

He goes further: “The human group within the team is very nice. I try to help from a more football-related side. In Italy, camaraderie feels different. Here it’s more family-like, and we can talk about the weekend match, while the atmosphere there is colder because that’s how it is in Europe. Sharing feels different.” 

-Is there a chance that the end of your career will be at Comunicaciones?

-I don’t rule out coming to play for a club like Comunicaciones in the later stage of my career. I know the club officials and they are people who do a lot for the growth of the institution. They always tease me a bit and ask when I’m coming back, haha, but first I have to go through Vélez.

Castro has already had the privilege of being part of the World Champion team when he was called up for the double match day of qualifiers last March. The forward didn’t get the chance to play, but he connected with names like Otamendi, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Paredes, Montiel, and Molina, among others. Castro couldn’t share with captain Lionel Messi, who was injured at that time.

“On the sporting level – Castro explains – I think about performing my best to be called up again, and from there I’ll have possibilities to fight for a spot in the World Cup. But that is still far off, and I have to focus on my performance.” He added: “I had the opportunity to be called up and be part of the training sessions. Even though I didn’t get to play, being part of that group is a privilege. The fact of sharing with many World Champions and experienced players is very positive. I need to start a good season to see if I can make it again in September.” 

-It’s been six months since you left Argentina, what do you miss the most?

-I’m very attached to my friends and family. That’s what I miss the most being away. However, they are very affectionate with us there and try to make sure we don’t miss home too much, and that’s also very nice.

Castro’s performance this semester has caught the attention of more powerful teams, and Inter Milan has him on their radar. “While it’s always sought to make a quality leap to another important club, I need to play more matches in Bologna to achieve that. A Europa League is coming this year, and that’s very important for me, since I’m only 20,” says the protagonist.

The history of Bologna will bear his name, due to winning the Coppa Italia last month, ending a 51-year drought without titles. For Castro, they were “well-deserved winners of that title, considering the year we’ve had. The people in Bologna are very warm and they make us feel it. I compare the team a lot with Vélez because no matter what happens, the support is always felt.” 

Castro will be training until next weekend before heading back to Bologna for his second year at the club. He mentions that continuity will help him keep “growing as a player,” but undoubtedly, when he remembers Comunicaciones, his internal progression will be greater.

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