Carlo Zambrano has become one of the standards of the Peruvian team. The current Alianza Lima centre-back is the undisputed starter in Juan Reynoso’s team and his presence at the start of the next qualifiers is almost certain; However, the defender was relegated from the national team a few years ago and after 36 years was no longer able to take part in the historic qualification for a World Cup.
Despite being on the verge of retaliation – Australia eliminated us in the Qatar 2022 playoffs – the ‘Kaiser’ recalled the time he was away from the Blanquirroja and made it clear when he explained that he feel no resentment for not participating in the World Cup.
Carlos Zambrano is one of the most experienced of the selection. Photo: Twitter/FPF
“No, nothing hurt me. Also, I was happier because I saw him as another fan. Inside you suffer a lot: you didn’t reach your goal, you didn’t win any games, I was in the national team for 15 years and we were last or penultimate,” he said for the program “La fe de Cuto”.
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Likewise, the 33-year-old footballer was delighted with what they got from his teammates and was encouraged to share how he felt watching them on TV. “What I liked the most is that everyone is fine. They deserved it, they all broke their backs, they killed each other and they did it. When the World Cup came, I heard the anthem of sang from my house. I had goosebumps with emotion,” he added.
On the other hand, Zambrano noted that a turning point to seek his return to Ricardo Gareca’s side was the friendship the Peru team played against Germany in 2018, in which the defender was also absent.
“I had to be there, but I was out. So I spoke to Ricardo to come back. He told me: ‘You closed the doors yourself, I didn’t close them for you’ (…). Two and a half years passed and I wanted to go back. He gave me another chance and I took him to the Copa America final; It’s a joke, don’t think I’m enlarged,” he concluded.
Upcoming matches of the Peru team.
Ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Peru team will take part in the FIFA date in June and tour Asia to face South Korea and Japan.
Upcoming friendlies of the Peru team. Photo: FPF