BTN News: Argentinian footballer Ángel Di María has decided not to return to his hometown club, Rosario Central, because of safety fears. Local officials assured him that security measures were available, but Di María felt it was too risky. The player, who has enjoyed great success with Benfica and as a Copa América champion, said he could not ensure the safety of his family in Rosario.
Background and Threats Against Di María in Rosario
Di María made his decision after several threats and violent events in Rosario, known as Argentina’s “drug capital.” In March 2023, a store owned by Lionel Messi’s father-in-law was shot at. Then in late May, two people on motorcycles shot at a gas station in Rosario and left a note threatening Di María. These events have made it clear that high-profile people are at risk in the city.
His family was also threatened. In March, a gated community where Di María’s family lives was targeted. Someone threw a bag with a note that said “Not even Maximiliano Pullaro can save you,” referring to the governor of Santa Fe.
Local Officials’ Response and Security Promises for Public Figures
Rosario Central’s president, Gonzalo Belloso, shared Di María’s decision not to return. He said the player did not feel safe in the current situation. Pablo Cococcioni, Santa Fe’s Minister of Security, said they have many security measures for famous people. He said if Di María or anyone else contacted them, they could discuss and provide security options.
Governor Pullaro also respected Di María’s choice. He pointed out that there are safety plans to protect famous people. He said if these plans are followed, they can keep people safe.
Concerns of Di María’s Family and Impact on His Decision
Jorgelina Cardoso, Di María’s wife, talked about the threats. She said the situation is worse than people know. She agreed with her husband’s choice, saying the matter is very serious and dangerous.
Violence in Rosario is very bad. The city had a murder rate of 22 per 100,000 people in 2023, much higher
than the national average. Many of these crimes are related to drug trafficking. While recent reports show a 52% drop in violence in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023, the ongoing threats still affect the lives of famous people like Di María.
Wider Impact of Di María’s Decision on Safety Concerns in Rosario
Di María’s choice to stay with Benfica highlights the ongoing safety problems in Rosario. Local officials are working to reduce violence, but the fears of high-profile people show that the problem is still serious.
Conclusion and Future Hopes for Safety in Rosario
In conclusion, Ángel Di María’s decision to avoid returning to Rosario Central shows how deep the safety issues are in the city. Despite assurances from officials, Di María feels his family is safer in Benfica. This situation points to the bigger fight against violence in Rosario, which affects everyone in the community. As efforts to improve safety continue, there is hope that one day, people like Di María will feel safe enough to come back to their hometown.
