In Argentina, even Di Maria's license plate is known
Angel Di Maria returned to his training club Rosario Central last July.
After 17 glorious years spent in the biggest European clubs (Benfica Lisbon, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus Turin), Angel Di Maria decided to return home to finish his superb career.
On July 1 , the 37-year-old striker signed a one-year contract with Rosario Central. The return to his training club of the Argentinian international (145 caps, 31 goals), world champion with the Albiceleste in December 2022, quickly became a no-brainer for the main player concerned.
"Returning to live in Argentina was the only option," he explained in an interview with La Nación. "It was what my daughters and my family wanted. The perfect finishing touch was being at Central. To be back in that stadium, to go to matches by bus, to see people everywhere, to put the jersey back on and play... That was all I needed to finish the way I wanted."
The 2014 Champions League winner for Real Madrid has been living a dream come true since settling in his hometown. His countrymen shower him with love, as he explained during an interview with the national media outlet based in Buenos Aires.
“One day, I was going to my sister’s house, who lives near the Central Stadium,” said the two-time Copa America winner. “I took the opportunity to drop my daughters off at the cinema when a motorcycle drove by. It turned around and came back, until it touched the window of my car. I got out and the man said to me, ‘You know, I knew it was you thanks to the license plate.’ The fans here even know my license plate! That gives you an idea of the madness, the fanaticism of the supporters here.”
The Di Maria family during the player's presentation at Rosario Central last July.
The winger, who won an Olympic gold medal with his national team in 2008, dreams of returning all that affection to his people and giving them the ultimate thrill at the next World Cup, scheduled for 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But, according to him, this can't be done without his captain, Lionel Messi.
"Whatever happens, Leo absolutely has to play in the World Cup," he said. "Because he's Leo. He's making the national team progress and generating enthusiasm. It's like when Diego was there. They're from another planet. So we have to keep enjoying it, and I hope Leo arrives in the best shape of his life."
A story of adding a new line to his fabulous list of achievements and strengthening, if that is still possible, his popularity rating in the country.
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