In case any of you haven’t seen it. Here is that video once again of Paulo Wanchope getting into a fight with a security guard.
The reason for the scrap according to the independent is that after several bad calls by the referee, Wanchope wanted to discuss some of those decisions with him. In the process of getting onto the pitch he is then seen to push a young ball boy, as well as afterwards a security guard, the latter of which then proceeds to punch him in the face at which point the scuffle begins.
Naturally, he’s resigned. Something that seems to be a theme amongst Central American managers where the pressure seems to get to the best of them. Even a national hero like Wanchope, and make no mistake he is a true national hero in Costa Rica. Though his post as national manager lasted just under a year, his career as a striker for Costa Rica was fairly more successful, particularly for being the second most prolific player in the island’s history, only behind Rolando Fonseca with 45 goals in 73 appearances. On top of this he was the main man in a time where Costa Rica reached two World Cup finals in a row in 2002 & 2006 a great time for the footballing nation that has always punched above its weight. Not to mention being a premier league star for just under a decade and scoring well over 50 league goals.
In a career which spanned a surprisingly short time, Paulo had an incredible goal return. Scoring28 goals in two years with Derby where he made his name, he then followed up with 15 goals in just one season at Upton Park after being signed for over £3 million (a large sum at the time) where he showed he wasn’t just a one club man. Sadly, his time in east London only lasted one year, but it opened up the chance for the most successful time of his career, scoring 29 goals in Man City blue between 2000-04. In which time he became a cult hero, helping the Manchester side beat relegation in his last season and leaving half the city chanting his name. After leaving Manchester he had an underwhelming time at Malaga but he is remembered extremely well in the Premier league, and in his homeland for it. Not to mention for scoring great goals like this:
Ultimately its quite a shame he’s had this fight tarnish his reputation, but i’m sure he’ll come back and be back on top soon. After all Paulo always seemed the most cheerful man on the pitch, and regardless of losing his temper many are going to want him around, whether in management or otherwise.
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