Football has had it's fair share of unusual nicknames over the years, from the reasonably self-explanatory (Roberto Baggio's "Divine Ponytail") to the outright bizzare (Lionel Messi's "La Pulga Atómica" or "The Automatic Flea" in English). Falling somewhere in between those two categories comes Internazionale's Argentinian goal-machine Julio Cruz. Or as he is sometimes known "El Jardinero" (The Gardener).
Whilst Cruz's abnormal appellation might seem baffling at first it is in fact rooted (check out that pun... because he's called "The Gardener" you see... and plants have roots... Hello? Is this thing on?) in truth.
Apparently as a young man our friend Julio earned his cash mowing the lawn of local side Club Atlético Banfield. One day the team were a man short during a training session and he was invited to join in and make up the numbers. Once the coach saw JC's talent he had no hesitation in offering him a spot on the roster and thus a career was born! Simple as that.
Now where did I leave my shears?
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