Angel Di Maria could not hold back tears after sealing an emotional return to Rosario Central on a free transfer. Di Maria left Europe after 18 years as his Benfica contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. The winger also revealed what ex-Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi told him after returning to his boyhood club.

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• Di Maria returns to Rosario Central
• Broke down in tears
• Revealed Messi's message

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Di Maria initially joined Rosario Central's youth ranks back in 1992 and spent 13 years at the club, including two seasons with the senior team before heading to Europe. After spending 18 years at five different clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, the veteran winger has finally returned to his homeland. He was unveiled as Rosario Central's latest signing on Monday and after the emotional welcome, Di Maria broke down in tears.

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  WHAT DI MARIA SAID ABOUT MESSI

  Later in his press conference, the 37-year-old revealed what La Albiceleste's World Cup-winning skipper Messi told him after he moved back to Argentina. Di Maria said: "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."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DI MARIA?

  Rosario Central will next face 9 de Julio in the Copa Santa Fe round of 16 first-leg clash on Wednesday. It remains to be seen if Di Maria will make the matchday squad just two days after joining the team.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News