"... the guts of 'El Diego'"

Red Bull Reacción becomes Red Bull Street Style in 2008: About 35 countries are taking part in the search for the world’s best street soccer artist. Twenty-year-old Red Bull Reacción winner Gustavo Tello from Ecuador on what potential winners need to be made of, which tricks they’ll need to beat, and how much training is necessary for the three deciding minutes in the arena.

Gustavo, what role does soccer play in your life?

 

It is my passion, and I will always carry it in my heart. Thanks to this wonderful sport I was finally able to get out of my town and develop as a person and get to know a lot of people, who have become my best friends.

Please give us a few details about your life.

 

I’m from La Parroquia San José de Charanga, which is located in the province of Esmeraldas. I have six siblings; three brothers and three sisters; all of them are older than me. We’re very close. Besides these, I have 11 more siblings from my dad’s side. In our small town, we all know each other. I have a lot of friends whom I really care about. I spend my free time with children from the village teaching them some of my old tricks on Las Palmas beach.

Is there a soccer player you look up to – maybe because he’s as creative and skilled with the ball as you are?

 

I always picture ‘El Diego’ (Diego Maradona), I admire him because he’ll always be the best soccer player of all time. I also respect him for having so many fans, for his guts, his unique way of just ‘touching’ the ball. I’ve learned many tricks and moves from him!

In contrast to Maradona you’ve specialized in freestyling and not on chasing goals. Why?

 

I always wanted to be a soccer player and played in minor leagues for professional teams like Deportivo Quito Nacional, but unfortunately I injured my meniscus, so I went into another field, freestyling because of my innate abilities.

How much time do you devote to your sport – and how do you spend the rest of your day?

 

On a typical day in the city of Quito I work four hours, and then I go to play indoor soccer in El Parque La Carolina with my friends Fricson, Joselo and Roney. When I’m at home I play ‘ecuavolley’ (an Ecuadorian sport similar to volleyball), then I go to the beach to teach small kids some of my tricks, and finally at night we play indoor soccer tournaments on a small field. Let’s say I practically dedicate six hours a day to tricks, shots and moves.

For those, at Red Bull Reacción, you got the acknowledgement you deserve: Not only the spectators, but also your rivals applauded you. What trick are you yourself most proud of?

 

My best trick is the ‘Trampolín,’ which I invented myself, and before I went to Argentina was practicing on the beach. This trick consists of slipping the ball from my head, down my back, and when the ball gets to my ankles I lift it up to the front while trampling, then I hold it again with my instep. I love this trick.

Your prize was to train with Red Bull New York. What was the best part of this experience?

 

Meeting the famous soccer star Juan Pablo Angel. And having the opportunity to make contacts with Nike or Adidas. My dream is to make a TV commercial for a sports brand. In doing this I could help my family financially.