Real Betis forward Chimy Avila is a unique character, in that he sums up the emotions of the game. Wherever he has been in Spain, be it Huesca, Osasuna or Real Betis, he has quickly become a fan favourite. Yet he is also a lightning rod for criticism, sometimes allowing emotions to get the better of him, which has translated into dangerous challenges and red cards at times.
The Argentine footballer has an endearing character off the pitch though too, and in a recent interview with Relevo, explained just how much he valued the nature of the Sevillanos around him, who have shown him kindness and respect. He was also asked whether he had cried much during his career, out of happiness or sadness, and gave an impressive response.
“Look, I believe there are two types of crying. The cry that is born from the heart and the cry that is born out of obligation. Do you see? When you need someone, you are going to cry out of obligation. Come, there’s a funeral, come cry! Then there is that person who cries out of relief and who cries out of sadness.”
💚 El Chimy Ávila lidera la celebración del Betis.
▪️ El jugador dio una vuelta entera al campo en forma de agradecimiento.
🎥 @jmrodriguezper pic.twitter.com/Ry8IhzmzBE
— Relevo (@relevo) October 27, 2024
“And I believe that in my life there is a 50 and 50. In my life, the times I have cried, I have cried from the heart, many times. And the man who does not cry is a lie. If a man wants to cry, he will cry and let it out. And I think the best tears I have ever shed were for my mother. Look, I have achieved a dream that I wanted so much. Because one of the dreams of a boy is to give their mother a house. Well, we neighborhood people think like that.”
“Give a decent house to my mother. And I got it for her. And the other three times there were tears were when my children were born. And seeing child born, I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. I think that is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me in my life. And something I wouldn’t change for anything. And the other tears were when I broke my knee. And if I had to change it, I’d change it for a title with Betis.”
Beticos will be hoping against hope that for more Avila tears down the line, as they look for success in the Copa del Rey or Conference League this season. The 30-year-old has come close in the past, reaching the final with Osasuna the year before he moved to the Benito Villamarin. Manuel Pellegrini of course guided Betis to their 2022 triumph, ending a 17-year trophy drought.
