He does not have a fresco in his likeness in Rosario like Lionel Messi, the idol who was also born in Argentina's third largest city.
He does not have the popularity rating of Angel Di Maria, also from this city in the province of Santa Fe and with whom he sometimes exchanges.
But the reputation of Juan Imhoff is well established.
The 32-year-old international winger, who will be one of Racing 92's main assets against the Saracens this Saturday (2 p.m., Paris-La Défense Arena) in the semi-final of the European Cup, has already passed the bar of the 100 tries during his career.
Of which 62 to date in Top 14, thus occupying the 9th rank of the best scorers in the French Championship.
There is also the Brennus Shield that Juan Imhoff won with the Ciel et Blanc in 2016. Or his 35 caps with the Pumas, nickname of the players of the Argentine team who is "always in a corner of [his] head “, Even if he was not selected for the last World Cup in 2019 in Japan.
"In life, you can't achieve anything on your own"
“I am privileged,” he assures us.
I was very lucky to have the family that I had, my wife (Natacha) is also accompanying me today when it is not very funny to eat fish every day with brown rice and vegetables
(smile)
.
In life, you can't achieve anything on your own.
I have experienced things that I want to keep in my heart, to share them later with my sons, my grandsons.
Crazy memories… ”
As of August 8, 2015, in Durban, South Africa.
The Pumas sign a historic success (37-25) against the Boks thanks in particular to a certain… Juan Imhoff.
“We were celebrating 50 years of the national team, I scored three tries but there was mostly my father in the stands.
Every time I talk about it, I have tears in my eyes, ”confides the penultimate of a family of six children (4 boys, 2 girls) who have boundless admiration for their patriarch.
It is the latter, José Luis, ex-international and Argentinian coach, still a cardiologist at 79, who logically gave the rugby virus to Juanito.
A child who hated losing and had dreams in his head.
READ ALSO>
Covid-19: the Paris-La Défense Arena health plan for the return of Racing 92
“His daddy, a gentleman, gave me my first selections in 1996 and I remember a kid coming to pick up the balls when we were training, it was Juan,” says Gonzalo Quesada, his compatriot and former returning coach. at the Stade Français.
I saw him again in 2011, at Racing, he had signed before me, arrived from the Argentine club Duendes.
I discovered a nugget ready to improve, a straight guy, hardworking, generous, disciplined, very funny too.
He not only wanted to become a professional player but also someone at the club.
It is impressive what he achieved.
We live rugby the same way, with a lot of passion so we can quickly take ourselves for crazy.
"
"With the birth of my son, I don't see things the same way anymore"
The arrival of Bastian, 1 year old, nevertheless changed the order of priorities somewhat for one of the admirers of Marcelo Bielsa (the former OM coach, now in Leeds) "for his way of seeing things. things and his investment in sport.
"Joe Rokocoko, an exceptional player with whom I have played, once told me: The day you can get a bit of rugby, enjoy the love of those around you, you will become better.
With the birth of my son, I no longer see things the same way even if my motivation remains intact, ”says Juan, friend of Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore, former Argentines of PSG, with whom he sometimes passes good times around a barbecue near Paris.
There, where he sees his future.
"I also made the request, before confinement, to obtain French nationality and it was accepted," he says.
I love my country but the reality is that it's very complicated to project yourself in Argentina
(Editor's note: given the economic situation)
.
And, today, my second home is France.
"
