The “lost” son returns home: On Monday, Angel di Maria (37) was presented at his home club Rosario Central amid great media hype. The world champion has already fulfilled one dream – he is still chasing another.
There was a huge crowd at the Gigante de Arroyito on Monday. Everyone wanted to be there to witness the return of the “lost” son. Angel di Maria was officially and ceremoniously presented at his home club Rosario Central, which he left for Europe 18 years ago.
Even before he said his first words, Di Maria was overcome with emotion because the club had produced an elaborate video tribute to the 2022 World Cup winner. Applause broke out as Di Maria wiped the tears from his face. Lionel Messi also had warm words for his long-time national team colleague.
“Coming home after so many years is really something special,” Di Maria emphasized. He is not without sporting ambition: Di Maria stressed that his main goal is to lead Rosario Central to the Argentine championship title once again.
He has already fulfilled another dream. “My daughters have known what Central means since they were born. It was a dream of mine to bring them to this stadium.” After the press conference, Di Maria, visibly moved, entered the pitch at Gigante de Arroyito with his wife and two daughters.
Threats prevented earlier return home
However, his return home is not without its unpleasant circumstances. Di Maria originally wanted to return to Argentina in the summer of 2024. However, because his family was threatened in their neighborhood, he initially rejected the transfer plans: “This return home is something wonderful that I have dreamed of for a long time. I wanted to do it earlier, but circumstances did not allow it.“
In view of the massive media hype and the security situation, Rosario Central has already announced that it will train behind closed doors until August.
Di Maria certainly has Messi’s ‘blessing’: ”Leo wrote to me recently. He expressed his delight that I was able to realize my dream.” When asked whether Messi, whose future is currently up in the air, will also return to Argentina one day, Di Maria did not give a real answer. Understandably, his own “family dream” was the focus of attention on Monday.
