Few athletes can match Martn Palermo’s accomplishments. Despite being 35 years old, the Boca Juniors striker remains one of South America’s most productive scorers. Palermo has scored 201 goals in his career, which is the highest in Boca’s professional period.
But “The Titan” isn’t letting that difference make it easy for it. Even though he has won every club-level local and international title there is, he is constantly striving to outdo himself. Since returning from an injury layoff in February, Palermo has been in terrific form, and he will be looking to help Boca Juniors get closer to what would be a record-tying sixth Copa Libertadores championship.
In another way, Palermo’s consistency has paid off; he received his first call-up to the national team in ten years as a result of Diego Maradona’s appreciation (though Palermo won’t participate in Wednesday’s friendly against Panama due to Boca’s Libertadores quarterfinal second leg against Defensor Sporting of Uruguay). Palermo’s chances of reaching Argentina’s World Cup roster for 2010 in South Africa may increase if he keeps up his impressive play at Maradona’s favorite club.
Palermo, a traditional target man whose greatest qualities don’t seem to be waning, wants to cap off an illustrious career with Boca Juniors. He hasn’t, however, ruled out a long-rumored transfer to Major League Soccer, where he may join the Columbus Crew and play alongside former Boca colleague Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Recently, Palermo was interviewed by us to talk about the records he keeps breaking at Boca, his revived national team dreams, and whether or not he’d be interested in an American adventure.
Q: As Boca’s top scorer with more than 200 goals, how does it feel?
It is a wonderful honor, Palermo. As soon as I got to Boca, I immediately put this as one of my goals since I usually do that.
Q: What do you consider to be your best sporting accomplishment?
Palermo: I can’t pick one out of the many since there have been so many. But in the modern day, one of them is to become the player with the most goals in the annals of a large club.
Q: While playing for Boca, you won every major trophy there is, including the Libertadores, the Intercontinental Cup, the Copa Sudamericana, and several Argentine titles. after a lot of success. How do you stay inspired to keep winning championships?
Palermo: I constantly consider how I may improve upon what I have previously accomplished. And this club has taught me that you need to constantly be thinking about winning. There are constant contests to enter, which suggests the chance to earn a different title each time. You can never afford to unwind at Boca.
Q: You consistently score goals in crucial games, such as the most recent Superclásico against River Plate and the Libertadores last week against Defensor Sporting. Do this kind of games encourage you to score more goals?
Palermo: Up until the day I retire, every game is significant to me, therefore I intend to participate in as many games as I can. And much better if I can score goals in each of them.
Q: Although Boca is having trouble in the Argentine Clausura Championship, they are just one step away from advancing to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Can the squad win the South American championship this year once more?
Palermo: Even if we aren’t performing at our best, we are committed to attaining this. However, the greatest Boca always shows up in the end.
Q: Which of the young players at Boca do you think has the most chance of making the Argentine national team in the future?
Palermo: Every position has a large number of players. Lucas Viatri, Pablo Mouche, Nicolás Gaitán, Lucas Viatri, Pochi Chavez, and Juan Forln. And Lucas Pratto, who is now on loan in Norway and who I believe has a bright future,
Q: From 2001 to 2004, you only spent three seasons outside of Argentina with Villarreal, Real Betis, and Deportivo Alavés in Spain. Would you have preferred to stay in Europe longer?
Palermo: Normally, I don’t second-guess my choices. One of the finest things that ever occurred to me was going back to Boca, in particular. My home is Boca, and fortunately, we have accomplished significant things together.
Q: On June 30th, your Boca contract will expire. Is it possible that you might relocate abroad?
Palermo: Right now, all I can think about is Boca, where I aim to finish my career. The directors are everything.
Q: At the age of 35, did you believe your time with the national team was finished or did you have any optimism that you would eventually make a comeback?
Palermo: I always had optimism, but I always assumed it would be harder each time. However, I never gave up hope. Due to my injury, [former Argentina coach] Alfio Basile had considered phoning me, but I’m honored that Maradona did it instead.
Q: Is your goal to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2014 even if it’s still early?
Hopefully, yeah. Palermo Many people might have believed that I wouldn’t have another chance to represent my country by donning its jersey, yet here I am. Who’s to say, though, that I won’t qualify for the World Cup?
Q: Many people recall you from a 1999 Copa América game versus Colombia where you missed three penalty kicks. Do you believe that may have contributed to your inability to get called up again till now?
Palermo: I have no idea, and I’m not concerned. I chose to act at that time even though there was a significant danger. But I’m grateful that Diego gave me another chance, and I’ll do my best to make the most of it.
Q: What can be anticipated from Maradona with the national squad after Argentina was defeated 6-1 by Bolivia in its most recent World Cup qualifying match last month?
Palermo: Lessons are usually learned the hard way. Diego is also highly intelligent and skilled. He already accomplished tremendous things while playing, and I believe he will do much more so with the national squad.
Q: What is your knowledge of MLS? Have you ever seen a game?
Palermo: Since Guille’s arrival, I’ve attended more matches. I watch his matches because I follow him, and those matchups are, of course, ones that are shown in Argentina.
Would a potential transfer to the MLS tempt you if you can’t agree to renew your deal with Boca?
Palermo: There are always rumors, so I usually discuss them with my agent, Gustavo Goi, who also handled Schelotto’s relocation to Columbus. But at the moment, all I can think about is what will transpire at Boca.
Q: Has Guillermo given you any MLS information?
Palermo: He is content and adaptable. Mostly because he proved his talent and assisted his club in winning the championship the previous season.
Q: It was stated a few years back that Guille attempted to persuade you to accompany him to Columbus. What took place?
Palermo: Though there were some conversations, nothing came of them.
The MLS has signed several Argentines in recent years, including players of exceptional caliber and those with national team experience. The league has also been connected to people like you, Ariel Ortega, and Juan Sebastian Verón. Why do you believe Argentine athletes are so well-liked?
Palermo: Considering how much of a difference the Argentine player usually makes. And Guillermo demonstrated that last year with Columbus.
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