Folk Hero Di María Returns to Argentine Football With Eyes on the Prize

Ángel Di María was officially unveiled as a Rosario Central player on Monday, marking a long-awaited homecoming filled with emotion and high expectations, according to El Gráfico. The legendary winger, who became a hero with the Argentine national team, made it clear that winning a title with his boyhood club is now his main objective.

“I’ve dreamed of this for a long time,” said Di María during the press conference. “I wanted it before, but it didn’t happen. Now I’m here with my family — playing for Central, stepping again onto that pitch, feeling like part of this great club.”

The forward spoke about the emotional weight of returning, describing how surreal it felt to train at the Gigante de Arroyito stadium: “It seemed like my first day all over again — same sensations, same adrenaline.” He also shared a personal moment: “When I arrived, I couldn’t believe it. It was beautiful.”

Family played a central role in his decision. “My wife always had my back when things got tough,” he said. “And now I’m here because of her love, my daughters’, and my mom’s — and because of what Central means to me.”

On the challenge ahead, Di María acknowledged Argentina’s physical style: “It’s more aggressive, more intense. But I’ll find my tools to help the team.” He added, with a smile, “If they boo me, they boo me. If they applaud me, they applaud me. I’m not wearing the national team jersey anymore.”

Though he did not confirm whether he would play this weekend, Di María left no doubt about his mindset: “Central deserves nothing less than the maximum. We’re here to win.”