"Here I am, just like always. Hugging the sideline, opening up the field. It's something innate, something you just know," captures the essence of a player's instincts, echoing the spirit of Roberto Fontanarrosa's famous story "Memories of a Right Winger." It brings to mind a young and agile Ángel Di María, who debuted for Rosario Central's first division two decades back. Fans, known as Canallas, had a brief encounter with his dazzling talent and audacious style before he ventured to Europe, leaving them yearning for more.

Now, Argentine enthusiasts, especially those in Rosario, are thrilled to see him don the iconic blue and yellow stripes again. Although the legendary fan and writer, Negro Fontanarrosa, who passed away in 2007, isn't here to celebrate, his spirit lingers as Di María returns.

The club announced his comeback with a heartfelt video: "Welcome back, Ángel. We were waiting for you." It features nostalgic clips of Di María as a boy and teenager with the Canalla, intertwined with his heroic moments with the national team. With the Albiceleste, he became a legendary partner to Lionel Messi, scoring crucial goals that secured titles in the Olympics, Copa América, and World Cup finals.

The excitement for his return will build until the second half of the year. The 37-year-old left-footer arrived in Rosario to finalize a one-year contract but will first compete in the Club World Cup with Benfica, his initial European team and likely his last. His European journey began in Lisbon in 2007, leading to a memorable stint at Real Madrid. His legacy continued in Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, collecting 36 trophies, only trailing behind Messi among Argentine players.

The Argentine Professional Football League warmly greeted him: "Nothing compares to returning home. Welcome back, Fideo." The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) echoed this sentiment, celebrating his return with imagery of him lifting the World Cup in 2022, Qatar.

Di María had intended to return to Rosario last year, but threats from the city's drug underworld targeted his family, postponing his plans. With the perpetrators identified and violence decreasing, the dream of returning became feasible. Rosario Central has already shared images of him in the number 11 jersey. Today, he's a transformed player—his once-explosive speed tempered by strategic pauses and seasoned audacity, marking his evolution from a speedy winger to a wise playmaker.