About a month after failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, Ricardo Gareca has resigned from his long-standing post as Peru’s national team coach.
“Thank you for letting us experience one of the best periods of Peruvian football that will remain indelible in our memories,” the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) tweeted. “May your sporting career continue to bring success and joy.”
Peruvian media had reported that Gareca had not renewed his contract with the association because he did not like the offer.
The Argentine became coach of the national team of the Andean country in 2015. With him and former Bundesliga professionals Paolo Guerrero and Jefferson Farfán, Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia – and took part in a World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
Peru missed the World Cup (November 21 to December 18) in Qatar after a penalty shoot-out in the intercontinental play-off match against Australia after finishing fifth in South America.
In Argentina, local media brought Gareca, who had worked as a club coach in several countries in South America before his engagement in Peru, now in connection with the traditional club Boca Juniors. He also heated up the discussions in Brazil, where FC Santos is looking for a new coach.