Jun 27, 2024, 12:45
LEIPZIG (Special Envoy) — There were just a few minutes left before the start of the game and in the midst of the hustle and bustle and the fans’ rush to get their bearings or buy drinks at the last minute, a clear “Buenos Aires” was heard. At that moment there was eye contact and the chance meeting of two compatriots in the middle of Euro 2024.
Ariel Goyeneche acts naturally, as if he had vast experience as a volunteer at large events. In the talk with ESPN.com That theory is demolished and it becomes clear how “the passion for football” led him to leave computers for a while.
– How did you become a volunteer?
My wife told me that they were asking for people to work at the Euro Cup and when I saw the photo, I thought it was to get your details. One day I was working at home, I applied, they called me and interviewed me. They asked me: ‘Why do you want to do it?’Because I’m Argentine, I like football’I answered them.
– Is this your first experience in a tournament of these characteristics?
I said it in one of the interviews with UEFA people: “I work with the computer all day, I’m tired, I want to do something else.” Obviously I take vacations to be here.I return and tomorrow at 8 in the morning I start again with my usual work.
Ariel works in Frankfurt and travels to Leipzig for matches. “There are different tasks to do, many groups. It’s pretty well organized. We have a protocol about how we have to behave when something happens, who we have to call, the things to do, how to recommend people… but the most important thing in these places is always good vibes, a smile and everyone. is happy”he says while telling some supporters where they should sit.
He Boca Juniors fanwho is described as “proud argentinian“, is part of the program with almost 46 thousand volunteers, ranging from 18 to 89 years old, from 152 different countries. They are asked to speak more than one language, have time availability and always have “positive energy.”
In addition to the possibility of gaining experience in this type of event and expanding their network of contacts, volunteers have training sessions, receive a uniform, free meals, a special gift and a certificate when the event ends. Their main tasks include assisting with access, accreditation, tickets, anti-doping control, press areas, hospitality, fan zone, among others.
– How did you get to Germany?
I left Argentina before 2001 and first lived for 20 years in England. There I met my German wife and from London we came here because it was time to change. I enjoy that my daughters have their grandparents around.
– Do you watch European football?
In London I followed Chelsea more because of friends they took to the pitch. Here it is quite simple to come to the field, it is very familiar, very interesting. I live 10 minutes walk from the stadium, it is a comfortable thing. In February I was visiting Buenos Aires and luckily they got me tickets to La Bombonera. There is another tension. Here it is more joy.
-And in the family with a German mother and an Argentine father, what is that soccer coexistence like with your daughters?
The 2014 Brazil final was terrible. I remember I went out to shout about Higuaín’s disallowed goal and then they shouted Götze’s goal in my face. And this World Cup was different because it was in winter, dark and very cold. Having the chance to stay at home watching football was fantastic.
Despite having spent the last two decades in the Old Continent, Ariel does not lose his Argentinian identity. “They always get together in a park to eat barbecue and when I pass by with my Boca shirt, some greet me and others not so much (laughs)”.
It’s time to stop the talk. The start of the game is approaching and the running is intensifying. Without emergencies, Ariel Goyeneche’s smile does not disappear from his face. The computer can wait, now it’s time to enjoy.
