Rosario, Argentina – After an illustrious 18-year career across Europe’s top leagues, football icon Ángel Di María, 37, has officially returned to his boyhood club, Rosario Central.
The homecoming, confirmed by the club, was filled with emotion for the World Cup winner, who had always harbored the dream of ending his playing days where it all began.
Di María’s contract with Portuguese giants Benfica expired at the end of June, paving the way for his highly anticipated free transfer back to Argentina.
“Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home,” read a heartfelt statement from Rosario Central on social media, accompanied by a video celebrating his journey.
The move marks a poignant full circle for “El Fideo” (The Noodle), who made his professional debut for Rosario Central in 2005 before embarking on a trophy-laden career that saw him play for European powerhouses like Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus.
Over nearly two decades, he amassed over 25 club trophies, alongside his six international honors with Argentina, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup (where he scored in the final), and an Olympic gold medal.
While the emotional return had been planned for some time, it faced a significant hurdle just 10 months ago when serious death threats against his family, related to drug violence in Rosario, forced him to delay his plans and rejoin Benfica instead.
However, his unwavering desire to play for his beloved Canalla again ultimately prevailed.
Di María expressed his joy and fulfillment on social media, stating, “Today it’s time for me to return home; my career in Europe has come to an end. Many years have gone by, I’ve been through many clubs, and I leave fulfilled thanks to so many unforgettable experiences.”
He will join Rosario Central following his participation with Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which concludes on July 13.
His arrival is expected to ignite immense excitement among Rosario Central fans as they welcome back one of their most celebrated sons to lead them into a new chapter.
What are your thoughts on Di María’s emotional return? Do you think he can help Rosario Central achieve new heights?
