Who is Tino Costa? That's the question every football fan in Argentina did when he rose to prominence in the Valencia a midfielder who scored goals from outside the area by a gun disguised as left leg. The question took on another dimension when Sergio Batista decided to include the footballer born in Buenos Aires in a friendly before the Copa America held last summer. It was a July 1, 2011 and would not be a happy day for an Argentina team that, full of unusual players, would fall to The Green Eagles 4-1. Yes it was for Alberto Costa, nicknamed Tino in honor of his grandfather, for that day would be fulfilled one of his dreams that, nine years ago, had landed on the island of Guadeloupe in order to make a name in professional football .
The swollen Argentina did not know the story of a player who never stepped on the pitch Argentine professional football. He tried it with some big as Estudiantes, but fate had reserved a more difficult path. The night before he broke his wrist and prevented him from paying enough to show the quality that treasured their boots. Time passed and there was never expected that opportunity, which, at 17, made the difficult decision to find his place in football on the island of Guadeloupe, French overseas department located on the Caribbean seas. In amateur football, considered the ninth division of Gallic football, give the first steps of his career.
Living with a host family, Tino Costa came to class every day not to neglect their training (where he learned French) and lived on his work at the supermarket, because football did not give to live. Today recalls the difficult times he lived in the capital of Basse-Terre, when I decided to leave every night and every morning there was the strength to go another day. The brave decision he had made led him to play two seasons at Basse Terre Racing on winning the league and cup. One month for each season traveling to France for testing with the large country like PSG , Lyon or Marseille, but none of them convinced enough.
However, one day a call came from Paris: it was not expected, but came from the Racing Club de Paris, a French soccer great mid-century later suffered severe economic problems. A club that played in the eighties Enzo Francescoli and, of course, white and blue dresses. When Tino Costa called to let him know he had a hole in the team was active in third, but the opportunity was expected to land midfielder in Europe and also offered him a professional contract. It was time to leave the island.
His experience in category brass Gallic football was long: four seasons spread over three teams, the first in the Racing Paris, the next two at Pau FC and FC Sete fourth. They all had good numbers, but the next step in his career did not come until 2008, when Montpellier, who was then playing in Ligue 2, he was offered the chance to upgrade. Argentine footballer did not hesitate and completed an excellent season in which he scored eight goals, gave twelve assists and earned him to become the reference in Montpellier and being named best player in the class but, above all, the main achievement was that the club achieved promotion the following year and finally could play first. With 24 years, it seemed that Tino Costa began to meet those objectives that motivated him to one day go to Guadeloupe.
In his first season in Ligue 1 did not lower the level, dazzling with its magnificent left foot, scoring seven goals and leading a Montpellier became the revelation of the season by finishing fifth. Its fantastic season struck Valencia's coaching staff, who was willing to pay six million euros for its tab. One more step in a career that marked the desired time frame. His beginnings were not easy at the Mestalla, the site was in the starting complex and the fans wary of a player, once again, unknown. However, he gradually gaining a foothold in the plans of Emery and his left leg, with great goals like this in the Champions League, did the rest.
His story speaks for itself about what it meant to Tino Costa's call for Argentina. It was the reward for effort, courage and confidence. That day he played 57 minutes, took an active part in the game and sent a shot to the post as her first on Sunday at the Bernabeu , where he played a great game. Being a friendly, Tino Costa could play even with France: he gives preference to Argentina, but would not deny the call of the country in which it became a footballer. Another goal is to someday play in the league in Argentina, mainly in the club he is a fan: San Lorenzo. And is that despite everything lived only 27 years and a lot of football ahead in a sport that has earned a place in its own right. And is that sometimes, dreams come true.
Photo | ValenciaCF
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