Ángel Di María Drops Retirement Hint After Rosario Central’s Libertadores Exit
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Ángel Di María has admitted that his future is uncertain after Rosario Central were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Corinthians, leaving the Argentine winger considering what comes next in his career.
Rosario Central lost 1–0 in the second leg in São Paulo, with Breno Bidon scoring the decisive goal after Memphis Depay's assist. The result sent Corinthians through to the quarter-finals with a 1–0 aggregate victory.
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For Di María, the defeat was particularly painful because Rosario Central had dreamed of making a deep run in South America's biggest club competition.
Di María admits he needs to think about his future
Speaking after the elimination, Di María made it clear that the disappointment had left him questioning what comes next.
"“It's a difficult moment. My dream was different, my desire to continue was different. It's football. Now I have to think and see what I want to continue doing.”"
The comments have immediately raised questions over whether the 38-year-old could be approaching the final stage of his illustrious career.
Importantly, Di María has not announced his retirement. His comments indicate that he intends to take time to consider his options.
Rosario Central's Libertadores dream ends
Central entered the second leg knowing that a victory was required after the two sides played out a 0–0 draw in Argentina.
The return fixture remained tight for much of the night, with neither side able to create a decisive breakthrough during the opening period.
Corinthians eventually found the winning goal in the second half.
Memphis Depay, making his return after renewing his contract with the Brazilian club, delivered the assist for Breno Bidon's 79th-minute goal, sending Corinthians into the last eight.
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Rosario were unable to find the equaliser despite pushing forward late in the match.
A painful ending for Di María
The Libertadores represented a particularly important target for Di María.
After returning to his boyhood club, the veteran had hoped to experience success in South America's premier club competition.
Instead, Central's campaign ended in the last 16.
The defeat was made even more difficult by the fact that Di María had started the match and remained one of the focal points of Rosario's attack.
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Now, with the continental campaign over, the Argentine must decide whether he wants to continue playing or begin considering retirement.
His contract situation adds another layer
Di María had recently extended his Rosario Central contract by another year, after his previous deal was due to expire at the end of June.
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That means there is no immediate indication that the club expected him to leave.
His latest comments instead appear to reflect a personal decision that he now needs to make following the disappointment of the Libertadores elimination.
At 38, Di María has already enjoyed a career most players can only dream of, representing clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus while winning major international honours with Argentina.
What happens next?
Rosario Central's season is not over.
With their Libertadores campaign finished, the club will now turn their attention towards domestic football, including the Argentine league and Copa Argentina.
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For Di María, however, the bigger question is personal.
Will he continue for another season at the club he returned to after nearly two decades in Europe, or has this latest disappointment brought him closer to retirement?
For now, there is no final answer.
Di María simply needs time to decide.
The football world will now wait to see whether one of Argentina's greatest players has another chapter left to write.
Fan Debate
⚽ GOAL: Should Di María continue playing?
🔥 FIRE: Does he have another great season left in him?
😲 SHOCK: Would you be surprised if he retired now?
👍 LIKE: What is your favourite Di María career moment?
💬 COMMENT: Should he finish his career at Rosario Central?
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