The Cuban Joel Apezteguía hopes to play in the qualifying round of the European football Champions League

July 14, 2020

The Cuban Joel Apezteguía celebrates and awaits the possibility of playing in the qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, after conquering the crown with the club Tre Fiori in the San Marino League.

At 36 years old, Apezteguía will become the first footballer from the largest of the Antilles to play a Champions League match in any elimination round and one of the few to celebrate the title of champion in a club tournament abroad.

In statements to Prensa Latina via Facebook, the Havana-born player highlighted the significance of participating in a phase of Europe's highest football competition, which he described as a dream come true and an important step in his sports career.

Apezteguía recorded in his second season with Tre Fiori 13 goals in 18 matches, adding up the three competitions of the San Marino Federation, which was enough to lead the scorers in the Cup and finish second in the league, after the tournament ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With several years of experience in Europe, the Cuban striker expressed his desire to continue contributing to Tre Fiori and thanked the San Marino league for the opportunity to continue at the highest level and achieve new successes.

Despite the league's stoppage due to Covid-19, Fiori's number 11 valued positively the team's performance in the 2019-2020 campaign, which they dominated with 20 points, ahead of Folklore (16) and Tre Penne (15), second and third, respectively.

The capital city footballer has shown in recent years his willingness to join the Cuban national team, following the reinsertion process of athletes born on the island, something that has yet to materialize in the sport.

'Representing my country is the most important thing because I have already played quite a bit in Europe, now I would like to be with the national team in world competitions, Gold Cup and other events,' he emphasized.

In the dialogue with Prensa Latina, Apezteguía reaffirmed his total willingness to represent Cuba in international tournaments and to contribute with effort and dedication to change the image of football on the island in the competitive arena.

Awaiting the call-up to the Cuban national team, Joel Apezteguía is currently enjoying the triumphs at Tre Fiori and is saving all his strength for his debut in the elimination round of the UEFA Champions League.