Ángel Di María to Return to Boyhood Club Rosario Central
In a move that is set to delight fans in Argentina, 37-year-old forward Ángel Di María has announced that he will return to his homeland to play for his boyhood club Rosario Central. The Argentine Primera Division club confirmed the news on Thursday, posting a video on social media alongside a welcome message.
"Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home," Rosario Central said in a statement, as reported by ESPN. The news marks a major coup for the Rosario-based club, who will see Di María join their ranks after his participation in next month’s Club World Cup with Benfica.
According to ESPN, Di María began his career at Rosario Central in 2005 before making the move to Benfica in 2007. He then went on to enjoy a successful spell in Europe, playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, before rejoining Benfica again in 2023. During his time in Europe, Di María won an impressive 30 titles, along with six international honours with Argentina, including two Copa América titles, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2008 Olympic Games.
Di María’s decision to join Rosario Central marks a return to his roots, and will see him link up with his boyhood club for the first time in many years. However, it’s worth noting that the move was nearly completed last summer, only for Di María to change his plans due to increasing drug-related violence in the region and threats against his family.
The winger will join Rosario Central after Benfica’s participation in next month’s Club World Cup in the United States, where the Portuguese club are in Group C alongside Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and Auckland City. As ESPN reports, Di María’s return to Rosario Central is set to excite fans in Argentina, who will be eager to see the 37-year-old in action for his hometown club.
As reported by ESPN, citing information from Reuters, Di María’s move to Rosario Central brings the curtain down on a remarkable career in Europe. The Argentine forward has consistently performed at the highest level, earning a reputation as one of the most skilled wingers of his generation.
In quotes directly attributable to ESPN, Rosario Central’s statement welcoming Di María read: "Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home." The news is set to send shockwaves through the football world, and fans will be eagerly anticipating Di María’s debut for his new club.
The reporting from ESPN confirmed Di María’s deal with Rosario Central and his transfer plans.
