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April 22, 2011

Bernie takes a bow

Posted by Editor on April 22, 2011 12:07 AM | 12 comments | Print | E-mail author

Bernardo Stortoni is a hugely popular figure among Glasgow supporters
Bernardo Stortoni will take to the Firhill pitch for the last time tonight before signing off from Glasgow and pro rugby to return home to Argentina.

Bernie's mother and father have flown to Glasgow for what is sure to be an emotional occasion for his family and the home support. Bernie admitted that his seven-year-old son Mateo is the most upset in the family at his decision to leave Scotland and return home.

Bernie told the Scotsman: "It is the right time for me to go home. I have had eight great years in European rugby and great times here at Glasgow, building my family with kids born here, and I want to be nearer my family, friends and the better weather also!

"I want to work on the farm with my father, enjoy the outside weather, but also keep playing with my local amateur club (Sociedad Sportiva] and do something in rugby, with all the things I have learned from here.

"I ride and I am going to be like the 'gaucho', you know; I'm going to be one of them, putting the cows altogether, the barbecues … you're all welcome too! Mateo is the most sad in the family, because he has a lot of friends at his school and playing rugby.

"He speaks 'Glasgow' now, which is so funny. My wife Tere and I have Trini and Esperanza, which means 'hope' in English, was born in Glasgow a year ago, and we want them to grow now in Argentina.

"We have loved Glasgow, such nice people here. When I was coming here Francisco Leonelli told me 'bring an umbrella', but yes it's wet but it's nice too.

"It is an emotional time for me and my family. I told my family this will probably be my last professional game and my mother came last week. I called my dad and said 'C'mon dad, you can leave the farm. A cow can look after itself for one week, eh?' So he's come and got here yesterday."

Glasgow coach Sean Lineen paid tribute to the player who has played more games than any other Warrior over his four seasons in Glasgow.

"I can't speak highly enough of the guy," said Sean, "his ability as a player from when he turned up with his socks round his ankles to his commitment to the team and his attitude, which has been brilliant.

"He's been a great player to work with and is up there with the best signings I've made in my time with Glasgow.

"The benefit he's brought to the youngsters at the club has been huge and it shows the value of having a good foreign signing. We would like another player like him, but it is important to get the right player, a player who can fit in. Bernie will be very hard to replace, in many ways."

Bernie is determined to finish his time in Glasgow with a big game against the Scarlets. He said: "I am so happy to have played for Glasgow for the last four years, a lot of games and I don't think I can ask for more from my body at 34. Glasgow opened the door for me and I gave everything, and have great friends from here who I will keep in touch with. I am not sad, just happy to have been in Glasgow, and now I want to finish well.

"This is a big game for me, but for the team and the supporters as well and we all want to finish well to give the supporters a thank-you for supporting us in a season where we haven't done so well."

Posted by gonesouth on April 22, 2011 08:00 AM | Reply to this comment

Good luck on your return home Bernie. It has been a pleasure watching you.

Posted by russ on April 22, 2011 09:03 AM | Reply to this comment

Still not sure everything was done to try and keep him at glasgow - mibbies its just me!

Posted by coruisk on April 22, 2011 09:16 AM | Reply to this comment

He signed a two-year contract last season so still had a year to go. He was interviewed on Radio Scotland just after it was announced he was leaving and it was fairly clear he expected to be here next season.

Posted by disco on April 22, 2011 10:53 AM | Reply to this comment

Gracias Bernie!

Posted by John on April 22, 2011 12:04 PM | Reply to this comment

All the best for the future Bernie, we will miss you at Glasgow

Posted by J.T on April 22, 2011 12:06 PM | Reply to this comment

It’s been an honour to watch Bernie play. Along with T-Bone I’m struggling to think of better role models, for any of us, not just the kids! Professionals in every way!!

Posted by gristedes on April 22, 2011 12:27 PM | Reply to this comment

It simply will not be the same without him. True gentleman and a courageous player. Very sad to see him go.
All the very best to you Bernie.

Posted by ape on April 22, 2011 01:58 PM | Reply to this comment

Bernie - amother very good player leaving the warriors. Have felt for the last 4/5 years that Lineen has probably underachieved with the players available. Now many are leaving and the opportunity to achieve something seems to have gone. Would be really worried if he was considered as Scotlands next coach. Poor in my opinion.

Posted by hp18 on April 22, 2011 05:28 PM | Reply to this comment

Best of luck Bernie, you truly deserve it. A truly commited player and gentleman.

Posted by matt74 on April 23, 2011 12:19 AM | Reply to this comment

All the best Bernie and many thanks for being a great interviewee during my time as the Warriors reporter for The Glaswegian newspaper.

Posted by steve on April 23, 2011 10:39 AM | Reply to this comment

My hat's off to Bernie - a Glasgow legend. Very sad to see him go. Utterly rock solid under the high ball. We struggled for years to properly replace Snowy Metcalfe - now we'll struggle to replace Bernie. All the best for the future - its been a pleasure to watch you Bernie!

Posted by ian on November 25, 2011 07:57 PM | Reply to this comment

not been to a game for a while and just found out benny is away what a great player and such a loss for us all the best benny you were by far my favourite player

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