Colombian footballer Juan Fernando Quintero, who has been making waves with his impressive performances at Racing Club in Avellaneda, recently found himself at the center of an unusual social media sensation. A passionate Racing fan, inspired by the player’s influence on the field, made a bold tribute to the footballer in the form of a tattoo. The fan, eager to express his admiration, decided to permanently ink a depiction of Quintero’s Racing jersey on his right leg, accompanied by a scene featuring the stadium in the background and a facial image intended to resemble the Colombian midfielder.
The tattoo quickly went viral, drawing both admiration and amusement across social media platforms. However, when Quintero himself was made aware of the tribute, his response was nothing short of humorous and candid. In a recent interview, the 31-year-old was shown an image of the tattoo, and his reaction was immediate.
“That’s not me, but I appreciate it. Honestly, it doesn’t look like me at all. It’s more of a cartoon character, a comic!” he said, laughing at the portrayal. While he acknowledged the fan’s gesture of devotion, Quintero couldn’t hide his surprise at the artistic interpretation. “I’d never mark my skin like that,” he added with a grin, highlighting that he felt the likeness in the tattoo was far removed from his actual appearance. The player also made a light-hearted reference to his own stature, saying, “I’m too small to be something like what’s happening in the world,” in a nod to his relatively modest height, despite his big role at Racing.
Quintero, who is currently in the form of his life with Racing, has been a key player for the club since his arrival, and his performances have made him a fan favorite. His contributions were especially crucial in Racing’s dramatic semifinal clash against Corinthians, where Quintero scored twice to help the Argentine club overturn a deficit and secure their place in the final stages of the prestigious Copa Sudamericana. Despite the tattoo incident, Quintero has consistently expressed his desire to bring joy to his supporters, and he made it clear that such personal tributes, though amusing, are a reflection of the connection he shares with the Racing faithful.
“As a player, I want to bring a lot of joy to the fans, and gestures like this really fill you with happiness,” Quintero said, acknowledging the deep bond between the team and their supporters. “It’s moments like these that make you appreciate the connection we have with the people who follow us, and that’s what matters most to me.”
Meanwhile, Quintero’s teammates have also reacted to the tattoo in their own lighthearted ways. Gastón Martirena, the Uruguayan left-back who has become an important fixture in Racing’s starting lineup this season, was shown the tattoo and couldn’t help but laugh. In a joking manner, Martirena hinted that he might consider getting a tattoo of his own—though his would be for a different reason. “If we win the Sudamericana final against Cruzeiro, I might think about getting one too,” Martirena said, adding a playful twist to the conversation.
The lighthearted exchange between Quintero and his teammates underscores the sense of camaraderie at Racing, where the relationship between players and fans is not just about football, but about shared moments of joy, humor, and respect. While the tattoo may have been an amusing misrepresentation of Quintero’s likeness, it has undeniably added a new chapter to the Colombian’s journey with the club and his growing popularity among Racing’s passionate supporters.
Quintero’s statement, however, serves as a reminder that, for him, it’s not about the image or the tribute, but about the impact he has on the pitch and the joy he brings to his fans. As Racing prepares for more high-stakes matches, including the upcoming Sudamericana final against Brazil’s Cruzeiro, Quintero’s focus remains on helping his team achieve success—whether or not there are tattoos involved.
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