Argentine football star Angel Di Maria has declared he will not be ending his illustrious career in his hometown of Rosario due to severe safety concerns, following a horrifying threat directed towards his family. The 36-year-old, who recently celebrated a monumental World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022, had initially expressed a desire to return to Rosario’s Central, the boyhood club where his journey began. However, the increasing gang-related violence in Rosario has dramatically altered his plans.
The alarming incident that proved to be the final straw for Di Maria involved a grotesque display of intimidation aimed directly at his family. According to Di Maria, a box containing a pig’s head with a bullet hole in its forehead arrived at his sister’s business. Accompanying this macabre package was a note that ominously stated, “If you return to [Rosario] Central, the next head will be that of your daughter Pia.”
In an exclusive interview with TV station Rosario3, the veteran player expressed his profound dismay and firm stance on the matter. “I am not going to return to Rosario in this way. They touched my family and I am not going to allow that. Not at any price,” Di Maria firmly stated. His words resonated with a mix of frustration and protective resolve, emphasizing just how seriously he is taking this threat.
Di Maria’s decision underscores a tragic reality for many in Rosario, a city marred by escalating gang violence. Over recent years, the third-largest city in Argentina has struggled with a significant surge in criminal activities, putting both residents and businesses at constant risk. The footballer’s revelation sheds light on the broader societal issues that plague the region, beyond just the sporting world.
Rosario’s increasing crime rate has not only compelled a global football icon like Di Maria to reconsider his plans but also highlights the dangerous environment that residents face on a daily basis.
. For Di Maria, the decision is driven by a primal instinct—to protect his family. “There was a threat at my sister’s business: it was a box with a pig head and a bullet in the forehead, and a note that said that if I returned to [Rosario] Central, the next head was that of my daughter Pia,” Di Maria recounted. It’s a horrifying scenario that any parent would find unbearable.
Di Maria’s career has seen him traverse some of the most prestigious stages in global football. From his early days in Rosario Central to his stints with elite clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, he has remained a cherished figure both in Argentina and internationally. His recent success with Argentina’s national team, including the pivotal role he played in their World Cup triumph, has only added to his legend.
However, the decision to steer clear of Rosario’s violent grip in the twilight years of his career is a somber reflection of the perils faced by those connected to high-profile figures. Instances of violence and intimidation against athletes and their families are not unheard of, but Di Maria’s experience is a stark reminder of the vulnerability that even the most revered players can face.
This harrowing decision, made public through a televised interview, has elicited a broad spectrum of reactions—from sympathy for Di Maria’s anguish to outrage at the deplorable state of security in Rosario. The local authorities are under immense pressure to address the root causes of such crime and provide assurance of safety that the city’s residents so desperately need.
There is a painful irony in Di Maria’s predicament. The footballer, who has long cherished dreams of returning to where it all started, to give back to the club that nurtured his talents, finds himself exiled by the very environment he wanted to honor. The loyalty to his roots clashes with the undeniable importance of his family’s safety, pushing him toward a heart-wrenching yet necessary resolution.
In conclusion, while Angel Di Maria’s decision not to return to Rosario is anchored in the need to protect his family, it also serves as a potent commentary on the urgent need for systemic change in the city. His narrative is not just that of a football star diverted from his path, but also of a city that must confront and overcome its darkest challenges to secure a safer future for all its residents.
