Angel Di Maria is proving that age is just a number. At 38, the legendary Argentine winger has returned to his roots, rejoining Rosario Central—the club where his professional journey began—after an illustrious 18-year career in Europe. His homecoming has been nothing short of spectacular, electrifying fans and elevating the entire Argentine league.
Di Maria's impact was immediate and decisive. In the recent Rosario derby against fierce rivals Newell's Old Boys, he broke a tense deadlock with a stunning left-footed volley, securing a 2-0 victory. This wasn't an isolated moment of brilliance; back in August, he had already etched his name into derby lore with a magnificent 25-meter free-kick that sailed into the top corner to win another match against the same opponent.
The forward's connection to his hometown club runs deep. He left Rosario Central in 2007 to join Benfica, launching a European odyssey that included starring roles at Real Madrid and a seven-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain from 2015 to 2022. Despite his global success, he always promised to return, and his commitment has resonated profoundly with the supporters.
"We had been waiting for his return since he left," said Gustavo Imperiale, a lifelong Rosario Central supporter. "Many players say they will come back but never do. He played for the best clubs in the world, won everything, and kept his word." This sentiment is echoed throughout the city, where Di Maria is celebrated not just as a star, but as a hometown hero who honored his promise.
His performances have drawn high praise from fellow professionals and local football figures. Former Lyon and Rosario Central player César Delgado declared Di Maria the best player in the current Argentine championship, comparing his status at the club to legends like Mario Kempes and Omar Palma. "He is at the top physically," Delgado noted. "Everyone thought he would struggle, but he readapted immediately. He always wants to play so much that the coach sometimes has to hold him back."
ESPN's Argentine league correspondent, Pablo Pavan, places Di Maria in the highest echelon of the nation's football history. "With Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, he is part of the Argentine football pantheon," Pavan stated. "His presence gives the championship another dimension. Only Messi's return to Newell's could surpass what we are experiencing now. Every match, Di Maria does extraordinary things."
Local radio host and devoted fan Humberto Glavinich, known as "Chino Nosky," offered a vivid metaphor for Di Maria's superiority on the pitch: "He is playing a different sport. His teammates send him bricks, and he turns them into caviar. The difference between him and the rest is abyssal." This creative genius, combined with his tireless desire to play, has made his return a defining story of the season.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.