The Paraguayan international, who wore an eagle on his chest for seven seasons, recalled that it all started “just over 23 years ago”, when “They went to get a boy who was making charcoal alongside his father to help around the house”. He says, in a video that shows images of some of the best moments of his career, that this boy “I dreamed of going far, even though life seemed to tell me otherwise”.
“Since that humble song, I never lost faith, I never let go of the dream. Today, I look back, with a heart full of gratitude, because This boy fulfilled what he promised: to always fight without excuses, without fear, to reach what many thought was impossible”reveals Cardozo, also known as Tacuara in the world of football.
When it was time to put an end to his career, he made a point of remembering all the clubs he had played for since 24 June, the Pastoreo team and 3 de Febrero, where he says he discovered that “football could change destinies”.
After Nacional, Asunción, who says he marked “a before and an after” in his life, finally gave him the possibility of debuting in the first division which was “not only fulfilling a dream, but realizing that all the sacrifices are worth it”.
In 2007 he had the opportunity to represent Argentines at Newell’s Old Boys, “a club that opened the doors to new experiences” and where he received “enormous strength” from the fans.
“Then the big leap to Europe arrived, always accompanied by the motivation and affection of everyone who believed in me since I was a boy. At Benfica I felt at home from the first day, they welcomed me as one of their own and where I could show my best version as a footballer”began by saying about the beginning of the connection with the reds.
“There I scored many goals and was fortunate to become the greatest foreign scorer in the club’s history, an achievement that I carry with great pride. For Benfica I played in the most important competitions in the world such as the Champions League and the Europa League, representing a giant club and some fans that I will never forget. Portugal gave me identity, respect and an eternal place in its history”, he highlighted.
In Europe he also represented the Turks at Trabzonspor and the Greeks at Olympiacos, to whom he is grateful “for so much”. “They welcomed me like a king and gave me memories that I will never forget. Two countries, two cultures, but the same passion. I am eternally grateful”, he stressed.
The Paraguayan team was also not forgotten by Cardozo, who says it was “the deepest dream of that child who started between coal and sacrifice”. “Whenever I wore my country’s shirt, I felt that I was carrying my family, my people and an entire Paraguay that never stops fighting. Defending these colors was a privilege that I lived with my heart in my hands”, took over.
Finally Libertad, the last club he defended for nine years, which “opened the doors to return home and complete this journey” in the land where he was born. “Here I was able to end my career with the same illusion and passion as that boy who dreamed and never stopped believing that football could change his life.”
Cardozo also took the opportunity to thank everyone he met in football, but also his family and especially his parents “for all the sacrifices they made” to make his dream come true
“Today I end my career with gratitude and I thank God for every step and every opportunity and for everything I have experienced in these 23 years in football. It is not a farewell, because I will continue in another way, contributing with my experience, helping young people who also dream of going far”, revealed Tacuara, highlighting that “the boy who made sacrifices and fulfilled his dream, now wants to help others to fulfill theirs too”.
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