Cristhian Noboa, at Emelec or Barcelona SC at 40 years old? The ‘Zar’ still has a contract for more than two seasons with Sochi FC

For more than five years, Cristhian Noboa declared that he would like to retire at Emelec, the club from which he emerged in 2004 and with which he had a remarkable campaign in 2006. But, despite his current age (he was born on April 5, 1985), the midfielder from Guayaquil remains in force and in a stellar plan in Russian soccer. His high level and the intention to stay as long as possible together with her children (born in that European country) are among the reasons for not having returned to national football.

In this second part of his conversation with EL UNIVERSO, Noboa talks about constant approaches and talks with the millionaire cadre, what he would do if the proposal came from Barcelona SC and his plans for the future. The midfielder is on vacation in this city and spoke to this newspaper after fulfilling commitments in the training camp that he organized for minors at the Zar Cristhian Noboa Academy, in Villa Bonita, which the World Cup player in Brazil 2014 sponsors.

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With Sochi FC he confirmed himself as the figure of the team, but he had to watch the World Cup on TV. Are you going to forgive Alfaro?

It’s already there. I only dedicated myself to playing and having fun on the field, with my club. What’s more, when I scored goals I felt more confident and eager. As I always said: wearing the National Team shirt, for me, is the most sacred and beautiful thing. I made an effort every day to be called to the Tricolor; but, if I was not taken into account, I respected that.

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Luka Modric played with 37 for Croatia and no one thought about age. At 37, will Russia be his retirement home?

For now, I’m not thinking of retiring; I have a two and a half year contract with Sochi (he will be 38 years old in April). Let’s see what happens later. When I was 30 or 31 years old, I said that I had one more season left in my career; but, now that I’m 37, only God knows.

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Is Noboa too expensive to be able to think about his retirement in national football?

I have not thought about that; rather, I am always focused on my family and mainly my children, with whom I want to spend more time.

If Emelec opens the doors for you, would you retire at the club with which you made your professional debut 19 years ago?

I have talked with Emelec all the time. Unfortunately, it is not about money, but about my children, because I still have to be with them as long as possible (in Russia).

And if the offer is made by Barcelona SC?

It is a great club and a great institution, with an incredible fan base. But I repeat that it is not because of the issue of money, but because of being with my children.

After retirement, what are the plans of the Czar Noboa?

I haven’t planned it yet, because I have a current contract and I want to continue having fun on the pitch.

It transpired that he would be interested in taking young players to be tested in Russia. What is true?

I have tried and even recommended it (to soccer players from Ecuador), but in the end the managers with whom I spoke made a decision. (D)