Emotional Ángel Di María finally returns home to boyhood side Rosario Central

Ángel Di María, one of the standout stars in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning side, officially returned on Monday to Rosario Central, the club where he began his professional career, after nearly two decades in European football.

The now veteran winger was unveiled at a press conference held at a central Rosario hotel, marking his long-awaited comeback to the team he left in 2007.

Nicknamed ‘El Fideo,’ Di María, 37,  rose to global prominence after leaving his boyhood club for Europe, where he amassed 29 trophies playing for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

Visibly emotional, he struggled to hold back tears at Monday’s unveiling: “This is something truly beautiful, something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. I wanted to return before but couldn’t – now I’m here, happy, with my family. This is what I wished for: to be back at the Gigante [Central’s stadium].”

“I’m proud of everything I achieved, but this tops it all. Coming home after so many years is really special, to live in Rosario again and wear the Central shirt. And for the fans to be happy means everything,” he added.

“Being able to live in Rosario with my family, play for Central and make people happy is the most important thing.”

Hundreds of Canalla supporters gathered outside the hotel to welcome him, in a taste of what’s expected on Saturday when Central host Godoy Cruz in the opening round of the Argentine Clausura championship.

‘This is what I dreamed of’

“I’m happy to be here, for my daughters to experience this, for my wife to see me play at home – it’s a dream come true,” said Di María, who will wear the number 11 shirt.

“This is so much more than I expected. To train here again, to be part of Central, it’s something I always dreamed of. But today I looked around and couldn’t believe I was actually there – it felt like the first time. That sensation, that adrenaline... I hope it lasts.”

Like many South American legends in recent years, Di María has chosen to return to the club of his youth for the final chapter of his career. His comeback, however, had been in doubt after his family received threats last year at their gated community residence in Rosario, a city beset by drug-related violence.

“Coming back was always on my mind, from the day I left... I’m going to retire here. But right now I’m all in – I proved I’m still at a high level during the [recent] Club World Cup,” he said.

Despite Benfica’s early exit in the round of 16, Di María remains one of the tournament’s top scorers, having netted four goals so far. The competition wraps up on Sunday.

‘It’s a tougher kind of football’

Having retired from international duty after helping Argentina lift the 2024 Copa América, Di María said the “only thing missing” from his career was a league title with Central.

He also revealed he had spoken with fellow Rosario native Lionel Messi about the move: “He told me he was happy I was fulfilling my dream – he was really pleased.”

Di María said he was ready to slot into coach Ariel Holan’s squad and acknowledged the challenges that come with playing in Argentina’s top flight, where fierce rivalries often overshadow a player’s national team heroics.

“I know it’s a tougher kind of football, with more physical battles, but it’s on me to use my strengths and give everything to help the team,” he said.

“As for how the fans treat me – whether they insult me or applaud me – that’s football. It’s hard for rival fans to cheer someone wearing a different shirt. Whatever happens, happens.”

Asked about his retirement, Di María said he was keen to continue playing for a while longer: “I always had that dream of coming back, I said it many times. Right now, I'm not thinking about retirement, I'm thinking about playing, enjoying myself, continuing at the level I've been playing at.”

He added: “I'll think about retirement later. I just want to be happy.”

– TIMES/AFP/NA