Introduction
Juan Castaño Quirós, known in football as Juanele y el Pichón de Roces, is one of the most outstanding players to have emerged from Mareo, the school of Real Sporting de Gijón. Throughout his career, he also played for CD Tenerife and Real Zaragoza. However, his life has not been free of personal problems and extra-sports challenges. In his book ‘My Truth’, Juanele shows us his career in football and reveals intimate details of his personal life.
The road to success
Juanele began his training at Sporting, making his debut in the first team at a time when the team from Gijón rubbed shoulders with the big clubs in the First Division. During his career, he attracted interest from clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, but his departure from Sporting did not materialize. In addition to his time at Sporting, Juanele also played for Tenerife and Zaragoza, where he won two Copas del Rey. However, at the age of 35, his sports career was cut short due to bipolar disorder that was diagnosed.
Personal Challenges
After retiring from football, Juanele’s life took a difficult turn. He experienced self-destructive episodes that landed him in jail on two occasions for violent acts. Additionally, he suffered life-threatening drug poisoning. In his book, Juanele recounts these dark moments and how his friend Chumi supported him unconditionally during those difficult times.
The Importance of Writing
Juanele decided to write ‘My Truth’ as a form of therapy and liberation. She recognizes that writing can be a powerful tool in overcoming personal challenges and changing others’ perceptions of you. Additionally, she encourages everyone to use writing as a method of therapy and self-expression.
The Support of His Teammates and Fans
During the presentation of his book, Juanele was surrounded by his former Sporting teammates, as well as representatives of clubs and fans in general. Many of them acquired the book and requested its dedication. This support demonstrates the love and admiration that fans and the football community have for Juanele.
Final thoughts
Juanele, at 52 years old, is still passionate about football. He follows Sporting’s games closely, but he also follows his other two teams, Zaragoza and Tenerife. During the presentation of his book, he spoke about his relationship with some coaches, such as Javier Clemente, and shared anecdotes from his time in the Spanish team. Juanele shows us in ‘My Truth’ that the life of a footballer is not always easy, but he also teaches us that there is always an opportunity to reinvent oneself and overcome obstacles.