Softfootball gathers that Ángel Di María has made a move to his boyhood club, Rosario Central. According to TNT Sports Argentina, a video revealed on X showed how Di Maria was visibly moved after completing an emotional return to boyhood club Rosario Central, marking his first appearance back in Argentina after nearly two decades in Europe.
The 36-year-old was officially unveiled at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on Monday evening, having signed with the club following the expiry of his contract with Benfica at the end of the 2024-25 season.
A Rosario native, Di María first joined Central’s academy as a four-year-old in 1992, progressing through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2005. He departed for Europe two years later and went on to enjoy spells at Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus before returning to Lisbon last year.
Speaking at his presentation, Di María could not hold back tears as thousands of fans welcomed him home. Below are his statements;
“This is where it all began,” he said. “It’s emotional to be back, and I hope to give the people everything they deserve.”
The Argentina international, who has won over 130 caps and lifted the World Cup in 2022, also revealed advice from national team captain Lionel Messi. These were his statements;
Leo told me, ‘Go back home. Go where you’ll be happy.’ And here I am.”
Rosario Central are next in action on Wednesday in the Copa Santa Fe round-of-16 first-leg tie against 9 de Julio. It remains unclear whether Di María will be included in the squad so soon after completing his return.
Di Maria’s impact was felt at the Club World Cup for his former club Benfica, as Softfootball earlier reported how the Portuguese side fell to Chelsea during the knockout stages. Angel Di Maria coolly converted the 95th-minute penalty to level the score and force extra time.
But Chelsea bounced back in extra time, helped by the sending off of Gianluca Prestianni just two minutes in. With the numerical advantage, the Blues surged to victory through goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, sealing a 4-1 win and a place in the quarter-finals.
