Ángel Di María (36) had hoped to end his career in Argentina, but he has now signed a new contract with Benfica. The 145-time Argentine international decided against a move to Rosario Central after receiving death threats directed at his family members.
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After last season, Ángel Di María had his heart set on returning to Rosario Central, the club where his professional journey began.
This move was supposed to be a sentimental return to his roots, allowing him to close out his illustrious career in front of the fans who first saw him rise to prominence. However, the plan was abruptly derailed by a series of troubling incidents, including death threats directed at his family, which forced Di María to rethink his decision. The threats, which were reportedly made by a faction of Rosario Central supporters, highlighted the complex and often dangerous intersection of sports, fan culture, and regional politics in Argentina.
Di María's intention to return was met with mixed reactions in Rosario. While many fans were excited about the prospect of seeing their former prodigy don the club’s colors once again, a vocal minority expressed resentment. These fans felt that Di María, who had become a global football star with stints at top European clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Juventus, should have returned earlier in his career when he was still in his prime. The Copa América winner’s decision to prioritize his European career over an earlier return to Rosario Central was seen by some as a betrayal.
The situation took a darker turn when it was revealed that Di María’s father and sister received death threats after news of his potential return to Rosario Central became public. These threats were symptomatic of the broader issues plaguing Rosario, a city that has been struggling with escalating violence tied to the drug trade. In recent years, Rosario has seen a sharp increase in crime, with prominent individuals, including sports stars, becoming targets. The threats against Di María’s family underscored the dangers that come with high visibility in such a volatile environment.
Faced with these threats and the deteriorating situation in Rosario, Di María made the difficult decision to abandon his plans to return to his boyhood club. Instead, he turned to Benfica, a club where he had previously enjoyed great success. Di María played for Benfica from 2007 to 2010, during which time he established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Europe. His performances in Portugal paved the way for his subsequent move to Real Madrid, where he further solidified his reputation as a world-class winger.
Benfica, recognizing the opportunity to bring back a player of Di María’s caliber, moved quickly to offer him a new contract. The Argentine returned to Lisbon last summer and immediately made an impact, contributing 17 goals and 15 assists in 48 official matches during the season. His experience and leadership proved invaluable to the team, and his return was hailed as a major coup for the club.
Now, Di María has signed a contract with Benfica that will keep him at the club until the end of the current season. He joins a team under the guidance of coach Roger Schmidt, where he will play alongside talents like Orkun Kökcü and former AZ striker Vangelis Pavlidis. For Benfica, the addition of Di María provides a significant boost as they aim to compete for domestic and European honors. His presence on the field brings a level of quality and experience that few other players can match, and his influence in the dressing room is expected to be equally valuable.
For Di María, the decision to stay in Europe and rejoin Benfica offers a sense of stability and safety that was lacking in Rosario. While the allure of returning home was strong, the risks associated with such a move ultimately outweighed the benefits. At Benfica, Di María can continue to play at a high level in a competitive environment, free from the pressures and dangers that would have accompanied a return to Argentina.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Di María to see how he continues to perform and whether his experience can help guide Benfica to success. The situation in Rosario remains tense, but for now, Di María has found a refuge in Lisbon, where he can focus on his football and contribute to a team that values his talents. The challenges that led him to this decision are a stark reminder of the complex realities that athletes often face, where decisions are influenced not just by professional considerations, but by personal and safety concerns as well.
Updated: 04:41, 7 Aug 2024
