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Faustino Asprilla

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Faustino Asprilla
Personal information
Full name Faustino Asprilla
Position(s) Striker

Faustino Hernán Asprilla Hinestroza (born November 10, 1969 in Tuluá) is a former Colombian football player. Although undeniably talented he is also a controversial figure for his unpredictable temper. He was known by his supporters in his home country as The Octopus for his uniquely flexible and fluid style. To everyone else he was 'Tino', or '2 goal Tino', as his goals usually came in twos.

Asprilla was part of the legendary Colombian team which destroyed Argentina 5-0 in a World Cup Qualifier game in Buenos Aires in 1993. Unfortunately when it came to the World Cup proper the team was in disarray, and Asprilla walked out on his team mates mid way through the group phase. Colombia failed to progress. Asprilla was also a member of the Colombian team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He was also the first Colombian player to be red carded for fighting with an opposing player, Paraguayan goal keeper José Luis Chilavert, whom he assaulted during a World Cup qualifying match in 1997.

Asprilla scored 20 goals in 57 matches for Colombia from 1994 to 2002 and played for his country at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. Asprilla was expected to be one of the players of the tournament, but Colombia lost to the USA unexpectedly after death threats to the players and their families before the tie. His clubs include Parma, Newcastle United and Fluminense. Famously scored a hat-trick for Newcastle against Barcelona in a Champions League game at St James' Park, which ended in a 3-2 win for Newcastle. This would be the high point in his time playing for the Magpies.

Asprilla had to be officially working as a construction worker to gain a visa into Italy, where he rejoined Parma, scoring the goal that brought Milans "Invincible" run to an end. His career then wound down from that point, playing for various clubs in Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Colombia. Asprilla infamously nearly signed for English League 2 outfit Darlington as a favour to the chairman who had befriended him, however on the day he was to sign the contract he fled the country and has not returned since. Now officially retired, he devotes his time to coaching youngsters in the academy he set up himself. He has also recently appeared in various Colombian Reality Shows like Desafio 2004 and Nomadas, in which his sense of humor and charismatic personality made him an audience favorite.

Honours and awards

Parma

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