Is Angel Di Maria Making a Comeback to His Boyhood Club Rosario Central?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Angel Di Maria is making a significant return to his childhood club, Rosario Central.
- He will join the team on a free transfer after his contract with Benfica ends.
- Di Maria has an extensive career and has played over 700 matches in Europe.
- His return is seen as a source of inspiration for young players in Argentina.
- Di Maria has won numerous trophies, including the World Cup.
Rosario, May 30 (NationPress) Argentina's FIFA World Cup champion Angel Di Maria has finalized arrangements to make his return to his childhood club, Rosario Central, as announced by the team. The 37-year-old winger will rejoin the Argentine Primera Division squad on a free transfer after his contract with the Portuguese club Benfica concludes in July.
"Our journey together still has numerous chapters to unfold. Welcome back home," the club stated via social media.
Di Maria had previously shown intentions to come back to his first club, Rosario Central, but escalating drug-related violence in the area and several threats directed toward him and his family had hindered those plans.
The talented winger initiated his professional journey at Rosario Central in 2005 before moving to Benfica two years later. His career also included stints at Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus before returning to Benfica in 2023. He has played over 700 matches in Europe for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus.
The former stars of Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus concluded his international career after the Copa America final last year, leaving with 145 caps, having achieved victory in the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
He ranks third in the history of the national team for appearances, trailing only Lionel Messi (186) and Javier Mascherano (147).
Di Maria has amassed a total of 30 trophies across Europe, including league titles from three different countries and the 2013-14 Champions League title with Real Madrid, as well as the World Cup and two Copa America trophies with Argentina.
He will kick off his new chapter with Rosario Central following the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.