Carlos Valderrama greatness on the gridiron is only a distant memory as his retirement from professional football in 2002. Even so, the greatness of the player nicknamed El Pibe it can still be seen until whenever.
Anyone who wants to prove the greatness of Valderrama was go to the Estadio Eduardo Santos, Santa Marta (Colombia). Right in front of the stadium's giant statue stood firm at about 10 meters yan reflect Valderrama.
The statue was deliberately made as a homage to Valderrama that has scent of the city. The author was not just any man. He is Amilkar Ariza, a renowned sculptor in Colombia. Then, The statue was inaugurated on 23 November 2002 directly by Gneco Arregoces who was then mayor of Santa Marta.
"This statue is a tribute, not a goodbye that is destined for El Pibe when he decided to retire," said Arregoces. "I would also like to pay tribute to Colombian football association."
Valderrama clearly impressed by the award. Straightforwardly, he acknowledged the statue as the most special thing in his life as a footballer. "This really made me feel very indebted to Colombian football public for what they have done for me," said he (Valderrama).
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