Angel Di Maria has rejoined Rosario Central 12 months after he and his family received a series of threats warning him not to return to the club he started his career at
An emotional Angel Di Maria could not hold back the tears as he rejoined his boyhood club Rosario Central. Di Maria began his professional career at Rosario Central back in 2005, before going on to play for Benfica, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Juventus.
The 37-year-old's return to Argentina was announced back in May, but he remained with Benfica for the Club World Cup where they reached the last 16 before being eliminated by Chelsea. Di Maria was close to rejoining Rosario Central last summer, but a series of threats ended those plans.
"There was a threat at my sister's business, a box with a pig's head and a bullet in the forehead, and a note that said that if I returned to [Rosario] Central, the next head was that of my daughter Pia," Di Maria told local media last July.
"Those months were horrible. We could only sit there and cry each night over not being able to carry out that dream return."
Just 12 months on, Di Maria has been able to fulfil his dream and the winger broke down in tears as he was officially unveiled on Monday. "I am proud of all I have achieved until now, but this moment surpasses everything," he said.
"It is very special for me to be able to come home after such a long time - so many years. Being able to return to Rosario with my family, to pull on the Central shirt once more and to make the fans happy again means everything.
"It is something I had dreamed about doing for a long time. I had wanted it to happen sooner, but unfortunately it was not possible. But that's in the past, and I'm here now.
"I am happy, with my family, and this is what I wanted. I have had the opportunity to meet all my new teammates, to train, wear the club shirt once again, and to play for this great club once more."
Di Maria also revealed that he spoke with Lionel Messi ahead of his return, adding: "I spoke with him and with many of the boys on the national team because it's obvious that I have a very good relationship with all of them.
"When I didn't come last year, they supported me; they're more than friends, they're like brothers. I'm happy. Leo wrote to me, let a few days go by, he knew my dream was familiar and told me he was very happy. He congratulated me and wished me the best."