Colombian ex-world champion Rolando Serrano, grandfather of tennis player Osorio, dies

The former soccer player Roland Serranowho was part of the Colombian team that played the 1962 World Cup in Chile, died this Monday at the age of 83 in Cúcuta, capital of the department of Norte de Santander.

Serrano, who played as a midfielder, was the grandfather of the tennis player from Cucuta María Camila Osorio Serrano, number 61 in the WTA classification.

The Colombian Football Federation lamented the death of the former player and sent a message of “support and encouragement to his family, friends and relatives, in this difficult moment.”

“This is a great loss for his family and friends, and it is also an unfortunate departure for our sport, where we will miss him and remember him with great affection, appreciation, respect and admiration,” the Federation said.

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The Government of Norte de Santander also lamented the death of the “historic Cúcuta Deportivo player (…) whom we recognize as one of the greatest of the rojinegro”.

Serrano was a fundamental piece in the 1962 World Cup in Chile. There he started in two games, including when the Colombian team equaled the Soviet Union, then European champion, 4-4, after losing 4-1.

The midfielder, who was born in the city of Pamplona (Norte de Santander), defended the jersey of the Cúcuta Deportivo, América de Cali, Unión Magdalena, Millonarios and Junior clubs.

He was also coach of Cúcuta in three stages: 1981-82, 1985 and 1990.

1. “Professor Rolando Serrano, may your soul rest in peace. I will never forget that you were like a father to me in my first year as a professional player at Cúcuta Deportivo,” Sergio Angulo, who was a Cali and América de América player, wrote on social media. Cali.