Tearful Di Maria rejoins Rosario Central

Argentine forward Angel Di Maria said Monday he is fulfilling a dream by rejoining Rosario Central after nearly two decades in Europe.

The 37-year-old was officially unveiled as a Rosario Central player during a press conference at a hotel in downtown Rosario, about 300 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires.

"This is something very beautiful, something I've dreamed of for a long time," Di Maria said, wiping away tears. "I wanted to come back earlier, but it wasn't possible. Today I'm here, happy, with my family."

Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco (L) vies with Benfica's Angel Di Maria during their UEFA Champions League Group D match in Milan, Italy, Oct. 3, 2023. (Photo by Federico Tardito/Xinhua)

Di Maria returns to the Argentine Primera Division club on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Benfica. He has signed a 12-month deal with an option to extend.

After beginning his professional career at Rosario Central in 2005, Di Maria has had spells with Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

He has earned 145 caps for Argentina and was a key member of the Albiceleste team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

"I'm proud of everything I've done, but this is more than anything," the veteran attacker said. "Coming home after so many years, living in Rosario again, wearing the Central shirt and seeing the people happy, that means everything.

"I'm happy my daughters get to live this, that my wife can see me play here. It's a dream come true."

Asked about the emotional weight of the moment, Di Maria said, "This is more than I expected. Today, I looked around and couldn't believe I was here. That feeling, that adrenalin. I hope it continues like this."

His return had been in doubt last year after local media reported his family had received threats from criminal gangs in Rosario. Di Maria declined to discuss security concerns, saying he was focused on helping the team.

"I'm going to retire here, but I still have a lot to give. I feel I'm playing well," he said.