Universidad de Chile (Chile), River Plate (Argentina), Juventus
(Italy), SS Lazio (Italy), River Plate (Argentina), Universidad
de Chile (Chile)
Honours
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Biography
Jose Marcelo Salas Melinao (born December 24, 1974 in Temuco),
better known as Marcelo Salas, is a football player from Chile.
He, with Elías Figueroa and Iván Zamorano, have been some of
Chile's most recognized soccer players. Nicknamed El Matador,
his deft touch with his left foot has led to some spectacular
goals.
Salas debuted playing for Universidad de Chile in 1993 obtaining
back to back titles in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, Salas went on to
play with River Plate of the Argentine first division. In 1996
and 1997 he won different cups with River Plate. He also helped
Chile in the World Cup qualification as the top scorer along
Ivan Zamorano in the south american zone. In 1998, he
participated with Chile in the World Cup making a strong
peformance with 4 goals in 4 matches. On the same year he was
transfered to S.S. Lazio in US$18.000.000.
Salas played in Italy for five years, three with S.S. Lazio
(1998-2001), winning a national league, an italian cup, a Cup
Winners' Cup and an European Super Cup. In 2001 he was
transfered to Juventus where he played until 2003 winning one
Seria A title, before coming back to River Plate. In 2004, Salas
was sold to River Plate for 12 million US dollars (10 million
euros). With the Chilean national team, he has scored 35 goals
(a national record) in 65 games (as of May 2005).
In late July 2005, it was confirmed that he would return to his
original football team, Universidad de Chile, the never-end love
of the fans of Universidad de Chile for Salas was evident, he
had a warm reception, even if he didn't play. Although the press
was tough with him for being an injury-prone player. In 2005
Salas played 10 games, but he carried Universidad de Chile to
the cup finals. The final was decided with a shootout. After the
retirement rumors of the summer of 2006, he started another
campaign with Universidad de Chile.
