‘I’ve dreamed of it my whole life’: Man United flop Angel Di Maria scores winning derby goal for his hometown club after returning despite threats

Angel Di Maria, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, delivered a memorable moment by scoring a spectacular free-kick to secure victory for Rosario Central in the Rosario derby against arch-rivals Newell’s Old Boys.

The 37-year-old player began his football journey with Rosario, making two appearances before moving to Europe with Benfica in 2007, kickstarting a highly successful continental career.

Despite receiving death threats last year that initially prevented his return, Di Maria rejoined his childhood club earlier this summer. His comeback was emotional, especially after experiencing significant threats to his safety and his family.

On Saturday, Di Maria showcased his skill with an 82nd-minute free-kick, curling the ball into the top corner of the net to ignite the home crowd’s excitement. This goal marked his third of the season in the Liga Profesional, supplementing an earlier penalty, and helped Rosario Central secure their fifth consecutive victory over Newell’s, setting a club record for derby wins.

Reflecting on his return, Di Maria expressed deep emotion: “I’ve dreamed of it my whole life. These 18 years, all I’ve thought about is coming back. All that’s left now is to win the championship with Central.”

He also revealed the adversity he faced, including threats against his family, which included a pig’s head with a bullet and a death threat directed at one of his daughters. He shared that threats extended to his parents’ neighborhood and his sister’s property, leading to fear and distress for his loved ones.

Despite the hostile environment, Di Maria faced criticism from some fans for initially opting not to return to Rosario. He emphasized the emotional toll, saying, “Those who don’t understand, they don’t put themselves in my place for one second.”

Di Maria’s story highlights the challenges he overcame—threats, criticism, and security fears—and his passionate desire to play for his hometown club, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Di Maria’s powerful free-kick helped Rosario Central defeat Newell’s Old Boys in the Rosario derby