Uruguayan football has been left in shock after the death of 22-year-old forward Mario Bruno Bentancur, a former Penarol youth prospect whose body was discovered following cardiac and respiratory arrest just days after a contentious trial spell in Argentina.
Bentancur had recently travelled to Buenos Aires to take part in a trial with Deportivo Riestra, one of the clubs competing in the Argentine top flight, in the hope of securing a professional contract, according to French outlet RMC.
However, the club opted not to sign him, and the short spell ended amid tension. Reports state that Bentancur left Deportivo Riestra accusing several team-mates of stealing his clothes during the trial period, before returning to Uruguay without an agreement in place.
The circumstances of his death have cast a pall over the Uruguayan game, where Bentancur was regarded as a talented young attacker whose career had begun at one of the nation’s most historic institutions.
From Penarol prospect to amateur football
Bentancur came through the youth ranks at Penarol, where he was once viewed as one of the club’s most promising emerging forwards.
After his time in the Penarol academy, he continued his career with Deportivo Italiano, a side competing in one of Uruguay’s amateur competitions, as he sought to relaunch his prospects and work his way back towards the professional game.
Club pays tribute
Deportivo Italiano confirmed the news of Bentancur’s death and paid tribute to their former player in an emotional message on the club’s official channels.
“ستبقى حيا في كل احتفال بهدف، وفي كل عناق، وفي قلوب جميع افراد هذا النادي.. ناديك ديبورتيفو ايطاليانو. ارقد بسلام”
(“You will remain alive in every goal celebration, in every embrace, and in the hearts of everyone at this club… your club, Deportivo Italiano. Rest in peace.”)
The statement underlined the affection in which Bentancur was held at Deportivo Italiano, where he had become part of the community while attempting to rebuild his career after leaving Penarol.
News of his death, coming so soon after the troubled spell in Argentina, has plunged former team-mates, coaches and supporters into mourning across Uruguay’s footballing circles.
