Vazquez leaves Argentina a winner

Belgrano playmaker Franco Vazquez was in tears as he said goodbye to the Argentina club where it all began.

Vazquez was making his final appearance on Sunday before a 4.5 million euros move in January to Serie A side Palermo – and what a farewell it proved to be.

The 22-year-old was made captain in Cordoba and scored the only goal in Belgrano’s victory over Arsenal de Sarandi, which capped a brilliant Apertura campaign.

Belgrano finished with 31 points, and could share second place with Racing if their rivals fail to pick up a point against Velez Sarsfield.

Speaking after the match, a tearful Vazquez struggled to speak as he prepared for his Sicilian adventure in 2012.

“I can barely talk, I need to breath, I am very emotional,” the young star said, before thanking the fans for making the day so special.

“The fans have always supported me and it is wonderful to hear them shout my name.”

“I have to also thank my team-mates, since we have all done brilliantly for our promotion and this great championship.”

“I hope to return one day and play in a Copa (Libertadores). I am grateful to everyone,” he said.

Vazquez started his career in Belgrano and was a key part of last season’s Nacional B campaign, which finished with a memorable play-off victory over River Plate.