From Copa América to Peru Cup: Legend Willian Chiroque’s Return to the Field

How close the Copa América is to starting inevitably makes Peruvian fans think about the 2011 edition. That year, the Conmebol competition was held in Argentina, where Willian Chiroque was one of the best players on the national team. Against all odds, the Piuran became a key piece for the team then led by Uruguayan coach Sergio Markarián to reach third place (they beat Venezuela 4-1 in La Plata). Thirteen years later, Chiroque’s name once again makes headlines, but this time for the return of the popular ‘Periquito’ to the fields of the Peru Cup.

At 44 years old, Chiroque has decided to take down his boots to sign for Olimpia FC, a club from Piura that will compete in the Peru Cup. “Following the efforts of Dr. Percy Yamunaque Chero and the coordination of the leaders of our historic club, the signing of Willian ‘Periquito’ Chiroque (former player of the Peruvian national team) became possible. Let’s go Olimpia, together until the end!” reads a message on social networks, hoping that ‘Periquito’ can bring some joy to the northern region of the country.

Chiroque, with a career that includes notable steps by teams such as Sporting Cristal, Cienciano, Juan Aurich and Universidad César Vallejo, arrives at Olimpia FC with the intention of contributing his vast experience and quality to a team that dreams of making history in the Cup Peru, paving the way to the highest division of Peruvian football.

Olimpia FC’s next match is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, when they face Club Porvenir Huáscar. Despite being a recent signing, Chiroque could make his debut in this match, something that has the yellow team’s followers excited.

It should be remembered that Chiroque had recently played for Sport Pilma, also belonging to the Peru Cup and from his homeland.

Chiroque will play the Peru Cup with Olimpia FC. (Photo: Olimpia FC)Chiroque will play the Peru Cup with Olimpia FC. (Photo: Olimpia FC)

Sergio Markarián and his great Copa América 2011

Willian Chiroque was called by Sergio Markarián to the Kirin Cup in Japan, where the Peruvian National Team faced the local team and the Czech Republic. The Uruguayan coach was impressed by the attacker’s ability and took him to the 2011 Copa América, where he showed the best version of himself alongside Paolo Guerrero in the ‘Bicolor’ offensive. The ‘Periquito’ played a total of five games in the tournament (he only missed the duel against Mexico in the group stage), adding a goal and an assist.

His skill and fast play on the flanks caught the attention of the foreign press, who were surprised by his age. At that time the soccer player was already 30 years old and many thought that she was a young Peruvian promise due to her short height of 1.60 meters. After that tournament and his good time at Juan Aurich, she received several offers from teams in South America, even Europe and Asia.

Willian Chiroque and Paolo Guerrero were Peru’s attacking duo against Venezuela in the 2011 Copa América. (Photo: AFP)

What does Willian Chiroque do after his retirement?

After his retirement in 2018, Chiroque settled in Sullana and works on a lemon plantation in Pilca. In an interview with Infobae, the soccer player revealed that he travels every 10 days and helps with fertilizer, irrigation, cleaning and even collects the lemons. In addition, he assured that he has been supporting academies and children who dream of becoming professional soccer players, giving them advice and helping them improve.

Willian Chiroque assured that he does not plan to become a coach, but he does help the team where he was born from, Sport Pilca, in training, where he has also made appearances playing in the Peru Cup, in the Morropón District League. In this way, at 43 years old, the ‘Periquito’ continues to be in force and continues to break it in ‘Macho Soccer’.

William Chiroque was also a Sporting Cristal player. (Photo: GEC)

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2024-06-10 04:13:38
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