Angel Di Maria has abandoned his plans to retire at his hometown club in Argentina after his family was subjected to a horrifying threat.
A pig’s head containing a bullet was hurled at a business owned by Di Maria’s family. Accompanying the gruesome act was a menacing message, forcing the soccer star to prioritize the safety of his loved ones over his career aspirations.
Di Maria Ends Rosario Dream Amidst Violent Threats
Argentine football star Angel Di Maria has abruptly ended his plans to retire at his hometown club, Rosario Central, after his family was subjected to a horrifying threat.
A chilling incident involving a severed pig’s head, pierced by a bullet, was delivered to a business owned by Di Maria’s sister. Accompanying this gruesome act was a menacing message targeting the player’s daughter, Pia. The message explicitly warned of dire consequences if Di Maria returned to Rosario.
Forced to prioritize the safety of his family, the World Cup champion has made the heartbreaking decision to abandon his dream of playing for his boyhood club. This shocking incident underscores the escalating violence and crime rates in Rosario, a city once synonymous with footballing passion.
In a statement, Di Maria emphasized, “I won’t return to Rosario under these circumstances. They targeted my family, and I will never allow that, at any cost.” His primary concern lies in ensuring the “peace and happiness” of his family.
This isn’t the first time Di Maria has faced threats. Back in March, a chilling note was left on his family’s property, threatening their lives if he signed with any Rosario club. Authorities attributed this message to “criminal organizations” attempting to assert dominance.
Santa Fe Governor Maximiliano Pullaro claimed protocols exist to guarantee the safety of public figures, but Di Maria remains unconvinced. “It’s insulting to talk about security protocols for me,” he stated, “when ordinary citizens in Rosario can’t even work or wait for the bus without fear of robbery or violence.”
Sadly, Di Maria’s experience isn’t an isolated incident. Several South American footballers have been targeted by criminals, facing threats and even kidnappings. Notably, Lionel Messi’s family-owned store in Rosario was attacked by gunmen last year, leaving a menacing message for the footballer, interpreted as a gang display of power.
Similarly troubling, guerilla fighters in Colombia kidnapped Luis Diaz’s father last year, holding him captive for 12 days before his release.
