Cholo Sotil, a legend of Barça and Peruvian football, dies at 75 years old.

Peruvian football and FC Barcelona are in mourning following the death of South American football legend, Cholo Sotil, who left this world at the age of 75 in the Intensive Care Unit of the Dos de Mayo Hospital in Lima, where he had been hospitalized since December 19. His passing is an irreplaceable loss for all those who experienced the golden age of the sport in the 1970s.

Sotil will be remembered not only for his unmatched skill as a forward but also for his significant contribution to FC Barcelona's success in the 1973-74 season. It was a memorable year for the club, as they managed to win the league after a 14-year drought. The Barça fans hold fond memories of his participation in that campaign, particularly the iconic 0-5 victory at Santiago Bernabéu against their eternal rival, Real Madrid, where Sotil scored the fifth goal.

During his time at Barcelona, Cholo played a total of 70 matches, leaving his mark with 18 goals. Despite being part of a star-studded team featuring figures like Johan Cruyff, Sotil always held a special place in the hearts of fans, who remember him for his prowess on the field and his charisma off it.

His career began at the Municipal club in Lima, where he developed as a player from the age of 19 to 24. However, his transfer to Barça marked a turning point in his life. In his first season, he not only stood out for his play but also became a reference for the fans and a vital teammate for his colleagues.

Sotil's story is filled with heartwarming moments, such as the one experienced on April 7, 1974, when Barcelona was crowned champion at El Molinón. From the locker room, Sotil made a call that would go down in the club's history: "¡Mamita, campeonamos!" ("Mom, we are champions!"), a message that encapsulates the joy and pride of a player who gave his all for his team.

However, the arrival of midfielder Johan Neeskens changed the team's dynamic and, unfortunately, also Sotil's role. During the 1974-75 season, he was relegated to a secondary position, unable to participate in official matches while awaiting Spanish nationality. This situation affected his performance, and although he returned to the field in the 1975-76 season, he could no longer replicate the brilliance of his early years at the club.

In 1977, he decided to return to his home country, where he continued to shine in his football career by winning two league titles with Alianza Lima. His love for football and his connection with his national team never faded, and over the years, Sotil remained linked to the sport he cherished so much.

On May 17, 1984, he was honored at the Miniestadi with a veterans' match, where his former teammates from the 1974 squad gathered to reminisce about those glorious moments. This gesture not only celebrated his legacy but also reaffirmed the respect and admiration he had earned throughout his career.

As the years passed, in October 2014, Cholo visited Camp Nou to celebrate FC Barcelona's 125th Anniversary, making it clear that, although years had gone by, the bond between the player and the club never faded. His life and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of fans and in the history of Peruvian and Spanish football.

The news of his passing has shocked thousands of fans and former teammates, who have expressed their condolences and fondly remembered the moments shared with this legend. Cholo Sotil was not only a great player but also an ambassador of Peruvian football worldwide, an icon who will always be remembered with respect and admiration. His legacy will endure in the collective memory of those who lived the passion of football in its golden age.