Overwhelmed by emotions: Di Maria tearfully introduced at Rosario
The "prodigal" son returns home: On Monday, Angel di Maria (37) was introduced to his hometown club Rosario Central amid much media fanfare. The world champion has already fulfilled one dream – and he's still chasing another.
The famous heart-felt celebration: Angel di Maria is back in Rosario. IMAGO/Fotobaires
The crowd at Gigante de Arroyito on Monday was huge. Everyone wanted to come and witness the homecoming of their "prodigal" son live. Angel di Maria was officially and ceremoniously introduced to his hometown club, Rosario Central, which he left for Europe 18 years ago.
Even before he spoke, Di Maria was overcome with emotion, as the club had produced an elaborate video clip honoring the 2022 World Cup winner. Applause erupted as Di Maria wiped the tears from his face. Lionel Messi also addressed his longtime national teammate with warm words.
"Coming home after so many years is truly something special," emphasized Di Maria. He's not coming without sporting ambition: Di Maria emphasized that his main goal is to lead Rosario Central to the Argentine league title once again.
He's already fulfilled another dream. "Since birth, my daughters have known what Central means. It was a dream of mine to bring them to this stadium." After the press conference, Di Maria stepped onto the pitch at Gigante de Arroyito with his wife and two daughters, visibly moved.
Threats prevented earlier return homeBut the return home also has less pleasant circumstances. Di Maria originally planned to return to Argentina in the summer of 2024. However, because his family was threatened in their neighborhood, he initially abandoned his plans to move: "This return home is something wonderful, something I've dreamed of for a long time. I wanted to do it sooner, but circumstances didn't allow it."
In view of the massive media hype and the security situation, Rosario Central has already announced that it will train exclusively behind closed doors until August.
Di Maria certainly has Messi's "blessing": "Leo wrote to me recently. He expressed his joy that I was able to realize my dream." When asked whether Messi, whose future is currently up in the air , would one day return to Argentina, di Maria didn't give a definite answer. Understandably, his own "family dream" was the focus on this Monday.
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