Ángel Di María caused a frenzy in Tucumán upon the arrival of Rosario Central for Saturday's match. Around 200 fans gathered in front of the Hilton Hotel to welcome the team, chanting and setting off yellow and blue smoke bombs as the escorted team bus arrived at 9:15 pm.
The forward, who is the team's top scorer this season with 10 goals in 25 appearances, was the only player who stopped to engage with the crowd. While teammates like Jaminton Campaz and Enzo Copetti headed into the hotel, Di María stayed behind to sign shirts, take photos, and shake hands, paying special attention to the children present.
Stories of Canalla passion
Among the crowd were stories that reflect the club's deep connection with its supporters. Roxana Alanís, president of the Rosario Central 19 de Diciembre supporters' branch in Tucumán, explained the origins of this passion. "Me hice ‘canalla’ a muerte," she stated. Her father moved from Rosario many years ago and passed on his love for the club, a tradition now kept alive by a branch that began forming in 2002 and now has over 50 members.
Enrique Agullo and Vanina Di Pasqua left Rosario at 6:00 AM with their sons Joaquín and Pedro, arriving in Tucumán ten hours later to support the team. The couple met in 2002 in the popular stand of the Gigante de Arroyito and shared their first kiss on November 23 of that year, exactly five years after Central's historic 4-0 win over Newell's.
A child's emotion
The most emotional moment belonged to nine-year-old Benicio Ontivero, who could not hold back his tears. "Cuando lo vi, no podía hablar," the boy said, having unsuccessfully tried to get the star's autograph the previous year. This time, Di María signed a drawing and a jersey for him, a gesture that moved everyone. His mother described the scene: "He was on the verge of breaking down, he couldn't breathe from the emotion. He loves football, it's his life."
The team's arrival comes at a high point in their season. Rosario Central sits first in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 22 points from 12 games, thanks to 6 wins, 4 draws, and only 2 losses. Their last outing was a resounding 5-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia, a match in which Di María himself scored twice, once from the penalty spot.
This Saturday, the league leaders will look to extend their fine form in the tenth round of the championship when they visit tenth-placed Atlético Tucumán at the Estadio Monumental José Fierro. Di María's team arrives on a run of 414 minutes without conceding a goal and with the aim of solidifying their lead before the FIFA international break.
First reported at lagaceta.com.ar
