Argentina footballer Angel Di Maria was threatened by gangs at his family home on the outskirts of Rosario early Monday morning, March 25, according to local media.
The statement comes a week after the former Manchester United, PSG, and Real Madrid footballer, who is currently playing for Portuguese champions Benfica, stated that he would like to finish his career with his hometown club Rosario Central.
According to local media, a motorist put a notice in front of the 36-year-old’s customary residence addressed to the Di Maria family, stating that not even the regional governor, Maximiliano Pullaro, could ensure their safety if he returned to the city.
“Tell your son Angel not to come back to Rosario because we will kill a family member. Not even Pullaro is going to save you.
“We don’t leave paper notes. We leave bullets and dead people behind,” read the message, according to the news portal Infobae, citing police sources.
Rosario has seen an increase in violence by drug trafficking organisations, as the city is a potential outlet for illegal substances from other nations.
Esteban Santantino, who works in security for the local government, told broadcaster Todo Noticias: “That kind of threat brings a lot of social commotion and that is their aim to make the population scared, hit public figures.”
Di Maria departed his hometown club, Rosario Central, in 2007 after 36 games before joining Benfica, where he made 125 appearances over three years.
He subsequently left Portugal to join Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, before moving on to Manchester United, PSG, Juventus, and finally back to Benfica.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain born in Rosario, was similarly threatened in a letter last year after unidentified gunmen raided the grocery owned by his wife Antonella Roccuzzo’s family.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli