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Rabat – Oscar Fulloné, the former legendary Argentinean coach of Morocco’s two biggest football clubs, Raja and Wydad, has died in poverty in Casablanca.
Despite leading teams across Africa to multiple victories, Fulloné had been living in poverty for years, unable to pay for rent or medication for himself and his wife. He had once even attempted suicide along with his family members in 2013, according to Moroccan media outlets.
With exception of some former Moroccan players who came in his aid, Fulloné was reportedly forsaken by the Raja and Wydad, which he had led to win African championship titles.He was given the nickname “The White Magician” after his successful career in the Ivory Coast, where he turned ASEC Mimosas into the country’s leading team and one of the major clubs in Africa, wining the African Champions League.
When took over as Raja’s coach at the turn of the century, he made history by snatching another Champions League title, wining an epic game against Espérance de Tunis. He also won two Moroccan league titles and a CAF Super Cup title with Raja.
The Argentinean then left Morocco to coach other clubs in North Africa, but he always came back to the country and fans he fell in love with.
In 2002 he returned to Morocco to coach Raja’s long-time rival, Wydad. Under his leadership, Wydad won the Throne Cup and the African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Four years later, he led Raja to another title, winning the Arab Champions League, thus cementing his legend as one the most successful foreign coaches in Moroccan history.
In 2010 his coaching career in the Moroccan League came to an end. Moving from one club to another without receiving fair compensation, his financial situation got worse.
“My wife is suffering from cancer. I had to sell my belongings to save her,” he said four years ago in an interview with Moroccan sports channel Arriyadiya.
Despite hardships of his life in Morocco, he chose to spend the remaining of his days in the country, even though “some people” were trying their best to kick him out.
“I will never forget what Moroccan fans or Moroccan people did for me. I want to say to those people who want me to leave the country I have loved: If I go one day, only my body will be leaving. My heart will remain
