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Madrid. Chile and Real Zaragoza striker Humberto Suazo and compatriot Manuel Pellegrini, the coach of Real Madrid, both sent messages of support to their native country after Saturday’s deadly earthquake.

Suazo scored twice to give Zaragoza a 2-0 win at Getafe and both times lifted his shirt to reveal a vest reading “Fuerza Chile” (Chile, be strong).

“It was an important thing that I had to show today,” the 28-year-old told reporters. “I was aware that I needed a goal and that’s why I made the vest to give a boost to the whole country.

“A lot of people died in Chile and I am very sad. All my family is there. We cannot talk much. The lines are down. We can only talk in messages.”

After Real’s 5-1 win in Tenerife later on Saturday, Pellegrini offered his support to the victims.

“I hope the country comes together and manages to overcome this,” he told a news conference.

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake shook Chile early on Saturday, killing at least 214 people, knocking down homes and hospitals and triggering a tsunami in the Pacific Ocean.

Suazo’s gesture recalled one by Cristiano Ronaldo last weekend, when the Real Madrid forward revealed a vest with “Madeira” written on it after scoring against Villarreal. The Portuguese international’s native island had been struck by floods which left at least 42 dead.

Suazo missed a chance to complete his hat-trick late in the match and had to leave the pitch after appearing to damage his left hamstring.

Chile on Sunday called off Wednesday’s friendlies against Costa Rica and North Korea.

 

Reuters