Boca Juniors coach Russo dies aged 69

Boca Juniors have expressed “profound sadness” after Argentine manager Miguel Angel Russo died on Wednesday at the age of 69.

Russo, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, was forced to step down from his day-to-day management duties at the club because of his illness.

He last attended a game on 21 September, when Boca drew 2-2 with Central Cordoba in the Argentine Primera Division.

In a statement, Boca said Russo “leaves an indelible mark on our club and will always be an example of joy, warmth, and dedication”.

Boca and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani wrote on Instagram: “Thank you Miguel for showing us all such an important value that is called ‘courage’.”

In his absence, Russo’s assistant Claudio Ubeda had been in charge, but he maintained close contact with his coaching staff and the club’s hierarchy.

Russo, who also managed Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, had three spells in charge at Boca, leading them to victory in the Copa Libertadores final in 2007 and securing the 2019-20 Argentine Superliga title before guiding them at the Club World Cup this year.

In June he agreed to coach Boca for a third time, four years after being sacked by the club just six games into a new season.