Franco Armani, the “match winning” goalkeeper who inherits the captain’s ribbon in River and denies the rumors of a match

With that categorical phrase, Franco Armani put to rest rumors last year indicating a probable early farewell to the club. More: it was even said that, due to family and life problems, he intended to return to Atlético Nacional de Medellín and settle in Colombia. But none of this was in the immediate plans of the 37-year-old Casildense who will not only stay until December this year in the Millonario span, but also plans to spend more time in Núñez.

Armani has already started negotiations for a new contract renewal. And, although he doesn’t know when he will end his career, the idea of ​​a possible retirement in Udaondo and Figueroa Alcorta is starting to take shape. “He never expressed the idea of ​​wanting to leave. We are talking and seeing how we can end the relationship with River. Extend it and make it happy for everyone”assured Martín Araoz, goalkeeper’s representative.

And, regarding the meeting he had with vice president Matías Patanian, he added: “We have an excellent relationship with the entire board of directors, we talk about everything and, obviously, about Franco. “We’re seeing what we can do to keep them both happy for many more years.”.

The continuity of Armani’s stay at River – the managers think – could be important not only for his performance in goal, but also for the transition which at a certain point will begin to take place naturally. And the Santa Fe native can be instrumental in that role.

“We have to create a good transition so that the guys who are in the club can take the goal or if someone arrives they are up to the task. Franco will accompany that moment if necessary”added Araoz, who confirmed Clarion that discussions on the renewal have been going on for a while and are only being talked about now. At the same time, she also made it clear Both Armani and his family feel comfortable in daily life in Argentina.

Meanwhile, Armani continues the pre-season with the United States squad. His departure at half-time of the friendly that River drew 1-1 against Rayados de Monterrey in Dallas scared more than one, but after the match Martín Demichelis clarified the concerns. “Franco is nothing to worry about”expressed Micho.

And he explains: “We worked a lot up until two days ago, normally 48 hours before a match you lower the load a lot so that the players arrive well. We raised the issue a lot because this preseason actually lasted ten days. It was a short adaptation in which we had to apply concepts and seek significant physical preparation.”

Armani’s change was only precautionary. What’s more: the discomfort wasn’t even significant, given that it wasn’t included in the medical report at the end of the match, in which only Santiago Simón appeared, with a trauma to his right hand.

Instead he entered Centurion Ezequiel. And although he was responsible for Rayados’ goal, Demichelis trusts the 26-year-old reserve goalkeeper. What’s more: at River they see him with growth potential. This is why they didn’t go looking for another goalkeeper.

Armani, with his experience, his six years in the River goal, his preponderance on and off the pitch, his influence in decisive matches, which led him to have the nickname “winning goalkeeper” and his new role as captain after the departure of Enzo Pérez, he will be a guide not only for Centurión, but also for Lucas Lavagnino and Santiago Beltrán, the other two young goalkeepers who make up the Millonario squad, to help them complete their training and prepare them for “the largest arch in the world”as the remembered Amadeo Carrizo defined it.