sevendayweekender – Angel Di Maria, the Benfica winger and Argentine football star, is set to rejoin his boyhood club Rosario Central. This move comes nearly 10 months after he was forced to abandon plans due to serious death threats. The 37-year-old began his professional career at Rosario Central in 2005, and the club officially announced his return on Thursday. Alongside a video posted on social media platform X, Rosario Central welcomed him back, emphasizing the ongoing story between the player and the club.
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Early Career and European Success
Di Maria started his football journey at Rosario Central, where he played for two seasons before moving to Europe. Since then, he has had an illustrious career spanning over 700 games across top European leagues. His European clubs include Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. Di Maria’s trophy cabinet boasts 30 titles, featuring league championships in three different countries. Notably, he won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season, marking one of the highlights of his career.
Threats Forced Di Maria to Delay His Return
Last summer, Di Maria was close to signing with Rosario Central as a free agent. However, the escalating drug-related violence in Rosario and direct threats against his family forced him to reconsider. He revealed that his sister’s business received a chilling threat: a box containing a pig’s head, a bullet lodged in the forehead, and a note warning that if he returned to Rosario Central, his daughter Pia’s life would be in danger. This grim situation caused him and his family great distress, leading to the postponement of his much-anticipated return to his hometown club.
Achievements with Argentina and Club Football
Beyond his club success, Di Maria has been an essential figure for the Argentina national team. He played a pivotal role in Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and won two Copa America titles. His international achievements have cemented his legacy as one of Argentina’s most decorated footballers. At club level, his second spell with Benfica, which began in 2023, will conclude after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States. This tournament will mark the end of his tenure with Benfica before he makes the full move back to Rosario Central.
A New Chapter for Di Maria at Rosario Central
Di Maria’s return to Rosario Central marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the club. Despite the previous dangers, the winger’s decision to come home reflects his deep connection to his roots and passion for football. Rosario Central sees this as a significant boost, bringing experience and leadership to the squad. As Di Maria resumes playing in Argentina’s top division, fans eagerly await to see how he will inspire the club and potentially mentor younger players. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of coming home, no matter the obstacles faced.
