From playing against Gerrard and being labelled as 'new Mascherano' to arrest for armed robbery

The road less taken. That is the story of Ezequiel Cirigliano, 30, who went from hero to zero in some ten-years-time. The news of his arrest broke out in Argentine media in midweek, causing shock among football fans as they remember this once-mercurial talent of both River Plate and South American football.

The fearless midfielder was even labelled 'new Mascherano' for his skills resembling his compatriot and former Barca and Liverpool player Javier Mascherano.

He was even given the captain's armband on a couple of occasions, but it didn't last for long. His father's death triggered depression, and the Argentine giants gave up on the promising boy too soon. On the other hand, he couldn't cope with the pressure and the loss of his father, which caused new issues and led to further deterioration.

Ezequiel had a brief spell at MLS but soon returned to his home country, changing clubs often, as the level of his performance started declining rapidly.

Cirigliano's last club was the Italian fourth-tier side CynthiAlbalonga which he left in February 2022. Jobless and with probably plenty of other issues on his mind, he turned to crime, reaching the very low of his life by the age of 30.

We sincerely hope this former prodigy will get back on track and find his piece both on and off the pitch.