As a consequence of Uruguay missing the World Cup in Germany next year, its star and symbol, Paolo Montero, decided is time to let go and let the younger players create a team that will qualify Uruguay in the next World Cup.
Montero made his debut for the Celeste on 5 May 1991 in a 1-0 defeat against the United States and would remain a mainstay of the team’s defence for the next ten years. Among his proudest achievements was helping Uruguay qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, after which he announced his retirement.
However, coach Jorge Fossati managed to convince him to reverse his decision, and he played a pivotal role in the Germany 2006 qualifiers.
