Through social media, the Rimense club expressed its condolences at the death of “Pepe” del Castillo, who wore the light blue jersey for 14 seasons.
The former striker Jose del Castillo Burga, one of Sporting Cristal’s historic players and member of the Peru team that qualified for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, died this Saturday, February 4, at the age of 79. On its official social media account, the Rimense club regretted the departure of ‘Pepe’, who defended the light blue jersey for more than 10 seasons and managed to become champion of the Peru First Division up to four times.
“Reference, champion, goalscorer and World Cup player. 14-year color defender and four-time champion. Your memory will always be present in the sky blue family. Forever, Pepe” was the dedication of the beer pour of his former character.
Del Castillo was an excellent multifunctional footballer because he could play not only as a striker but also in the midfield position. With Cristal, a team in which he played from 1961 to 1974, he won the national titles in 1961, 1968, 1970 and 1972.
José del Castillo is one of the 10 historic scorers of the Rimense team. Photo: Sporting Cristal
In the Peruvian team he came to 13 duels and scored one goal. Despite being called up to the Aztecs for the World Cup by coach Didí, he did not play in the tournament.
Alongside the news from the Bajo Pontino team, his former teammates Ramón Mifflin and Eladio Reyes expressed their regret over the death of the former team, who was based in Italy, via Facebook.
Although best known for his time playing rim, José del Castillo made his debut at Centro Iqueño in Ica. He spent the final seasons of his career with Veracruz in Mexico, after which he spent a number of years as a coach, managing Cristal, Hijos de Yurimaguas and Defensor Lima.