Edinson Cavani proved that his class is permanent this weekend as the former Manchester United and Premier League ace rolled back the years with a stunning 16-minute hat-trick.
After a recent run of just three goals in 19 games, the veteran striker’s poor form had been the subject of much debate back home in South America.
The Argentine media, so desperate were they to find a reason for Edinson Cavani’s misfiring ways, even conducted an interview with an astrologist, who encouraged the Boca Juniors fans to pray for their 37-year-old icon in an attempt to free him from the clutches of ‘witchcraft’ and ‘black magic’.
And as Boca Juniors defeated Belgrano in a five-goal thriller on Sunday – Cavani scoring three times between the 63rd and the 79th minute – it appeared that the evergreen Uruguayan had divine intervention on his side, that miserable run of form dispelled emphatically with a thumping penalty, a classic Cavani chip and a trademark poacher’s finish.
Former Manchester United man hits hat-trick
“He is an excellent footballer and the whole team is happy,” sighed a relieved Diego Martinez, the Boca coach delighted to see his 37-year-old talisman rediscover the form that made him such a hit during that brief spell at Manchester United.
“I hope it has helped him. He is a high-ranking footballer, with a lot of experience. So, without a doubt, I hope that has helped him.
“He seemed very focused, very focused on this being able to be unblocked (and end his goal drought). I hope that those talks have helped and also this match to find the best version of Edi at 37 years old.”
Edinson Cavani proves class is permanent
Cavani spent two years at Man United between 2020 and 2022. A tally of 17 goals including those mesmerising displays against Southampton and Roma, and those headline-making finishes against Everton and Fulham.
“These are those moments that sometimes we forwards have to go through,” Cavani tells RFI, delighted to hit the goal trail again. “The only way out of this is with work and dedication.
“I’m very happy for the game, for everything it meant. The (hat-trick) ball goes to my family. They are the ones who supports everything, the ones who are there every day, support you, always to give you that push.”