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Juan Sebastian Veron becomes oldest player in Copa Libertadores when he played for Estudiantes at age of 42

Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder made history by appearing for club he is also president of

JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON became the oldest player in Copa Libertadores history at 42.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea star was in action for Estudiantes — for whom he is also president — in a 2-0 group stages’ defeat against Ecuadorian outfit, Barcelona.

 Juan Sebastian Veron in action at the tender age of just 42-years-old
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Juan Sebastian Veron in action at the tender age of just 42-years-oldCredit: AP:Associated Press

He came out of retirement to help the club of his heart improve, and showed he still has something offer, featuring in South America’s biggest tournament.


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And, in doing so, made history by becoming the competition’s oldest player in his 174th appearance overall.

However, he could not help his side fall to a second consecutive defeat at this stage.

 Juan Sebastian Veron was back in action three years after retiring
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Juan Sebastian Veron was back in action three years after retiringCredit: Getty Images
 Juan Sebastian Veron was captain on his back night back in competitive football
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Juan Sebastian Veron was captain on his back night back in competitive footballCredit: Reuters
 Juan Sebastian Veron couldn't stop Estudiantes falling to a 2-0 defeat
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Juan Sebastian Veron couldn't stop Estudiantes falling to a 2-0 defeatCredit: Reuters

In their group opener, they lost 2-1 to Botafogo.

And, even the introduction of Veron could not inspire Estudiantes to victory, as they lost in front of their own fans.

This was his first competitive appearance in three years, since hanging up his boots and he lasted an hour before being substituted.

 Juan Sebastian Veron celebrates scoring against Arsenal for Manchester United
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Juan Sebastian Veron celebrates scoring against Arsenal for Manchester UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Juan Sebastian Veron celebrates as his goal helped Lazio win title in 2000
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Juan Sebastian Veron celebrates as his goal helped Lazio win title in 2000Credit: AP:Associated Press

Veron was briefly the Premier League’s record signing when moved to United in 2001, having shone with Parma and Lazio.

However, he struggled to adapt to English football.

But it didn’t stop Chelsea — who had just been bought by Roman Abramovich — signing him two years later.

He suffered even worse form in West London and moved to Inter Milan in 2005.

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