San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Mourning in Honduran football, sadness and tears. A warrior, a glory fought hard, but lost the battle against COVID-19. Deceased Luis Cruz.
The deadly virus hit the family of the former World Cup defender in Spain 82 and all over Honduras on Wednesday. The nation cries out for the one who gave him everything, for the one who defended him wholeheartedly on the field.
That Bicolor who proudly represented us loses another legend, another emblem that broke his chest against Ireland in that 1-1 draw.
He is the fifth former world champion to lose his life, José Roberto “Macho” Figueroa, Javier Toledo, Domingo Drumond and Roberto Bailey died before.
A WARRIOR
“My father fought like a warrior, but God’s will was to take an angel. I thank the staff of the Leonardo Martínez hospital who did everything possible to save his life “, said in tears his daughter, the journalist Ingrid Cruz.
The 68-year-old former football player lived in New Orleans, United States, but he came on vacation to see his family and was infected. He was hospitalized for almost a month at Leonardo Martínez Hospital where he died.
An attempt was made to transfer him to a hospital in the United States to save his life, but due to his condition, doctors suggested not to make the trip.
“I am very saddened by Luis’ death, it broke my heart. He leaves us a great human being who was also a great football player “, said Carlos Caballero, former World Cup player.
His family is survived by his wife Juanita Yanes Bueso de Cruz and their children Jenny, Luis and Ingrid Carolina.
TRAJECTORY
The former player is considered one of the best defenders in the history of football in Honduras. He played as a central or left defender and participated in more than 340 matches in the National League.
In addition to the fact that it was a Bicolor World Cup under the command of Chelato Uclés, the former Catracho player stood out with the Motagua shirt, with which he made his debut in the National League of Honduras. In the World Cup he played in the match against Northern Ireland.
He was also part of Real España, Atlético Morazán and Universidad, at the time, said he had the conditions to succeed abroad, but could not fulfill that dream.
Luis Cruz has won two first division titles in the National League, one with Motagua and the other with Real España.
He then embraced a coaching career and worked on the Real España 2000 talent project and various promotion teams.
Honduras is dismayed, leaves us a symbol and we are left with a shame, a grief for his death and a deep sadness because we do not say goodbye as it deserves. God and heaven receive you Luis Cruz.