Centre-back Nicolás Otamendi, who won the 2022 World Cup with the Albiceleste in Qatar, has agreed to join River Plate and signed his contract on Friday, the club has announced.
Otamendi has signed an 18-month deal running from July 1, 2026, until the end of 2027. He completed the paperwork before linking up with the Albiceleste, which will travel to the United States on Saturday to continue preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
"Today I have the opportunity to be even happier, to wear these colours, which I haven't worn before, and to represent an institution like River," Otamendi said in a video published on the club's social media channels.
"As a River supporter, it's a dream come true ... It's going to be special," he added.
The defender is part of Argentina's 26-man squad for the next World Cup, which will be his fourth appearance at the tournament after South Africa 2010, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Otamendi, 38, returns to Argentina to bring his career to a close at the club he supports, following almost two decades as a professional.
He began his playing career at Vélez Sarsfield before moving abroad, spending nearly 16 years overseas with FC Porto, Atlético Mineiro, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica, making more than 450 appearances in total.
His honours haul includes 26 trophies, most notably the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the Europa League with Porto and seven other trophies with the Portuguese side, as well as nine titles during his spell at Manchester City.
The experienced defender had already reached a verbal agreement with River and bid farewell to Benfica a few weeks ago.
At River, "El General," as Otamendi is known, will be reunited with Germán Pezzella, his teammate in Qatar.
River's goalkeeper Franco Armani and defender Marcos Acuña were also members of the Qatar 2022 squad.
"He's a hugely important player, still performing at the highest level and a natural leader. Hopefully we can have him. We can build something special," River coach Eduardo Coudet said a few days ago when asked about Otamendi's arrival.
– TIMES/AFP
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