Argentina will pay tribute to Rene Houseman before Friday’s friendly against Italy
By Emily Victoria
Last Updated: 23/03/18 1:32pm
Argentina will pay tribute to Rene Houseman before Friday’s friendly against Italy at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
Lionel Messi and his team-mates will be wearing armbands of their national flag in memory of Houseman.
Houseman, a World Cup winner in 1978, has died aged 64 after losing his battle with cancer.
Nicknamed 'El Loco', he was regarded by many as the best winger ever to play for his country and featured in both the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
Houseman, who was capped 55 times and scored 13 goals, played his club football for Huracan, River Plate and Chilean side Colo-Colo. The Argentine Football Association has expressed its 'greatest sadness' on his passing.
Houseman retired from football in 1985 and moved into coaching. He was part of the backroom staff at Huracan between 2008 and 2009 - it is reported he was never paid during his time as a coach.
A minute's silence will be held in memory of Italy midfielder Davide Astori, who died earlier this month aged 31, with an announcement being made at the stadium to reference both men.
