Angel Di Maria Denounces Threats After Disturbing Incident in Rosario

Argentine soccer star Angel Di Maria has announced that he will not return to his hometown of Rosario due to escalating safety concerns following a disturbing threat against his family. The 36-year-old, who recently celebrated victories in both the Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, revealed that a bullet-pierced pig's head was sent to his sister's business, accompanied by a note threatening his daughter if he returned to play for Rosario Central. Di Maria expressed his deep concern for his family's safety, stating, "They touched my family and I am not going to allow that." Despite assurances from Santa Fe Governor Maximiliano Pullaro regarding safety protocols for public figures, Di Maria criticized the effectiveness of these measures. He highlighted the broader issue of crime in Rosario, where residents face daily threats of robbery and violence. "It is disrespectful to talk about security and protocols for me when people from Rosario cannot go out to work," he said, underscoring the severity of the situation in his hometown. The alarming trend of violence against high-profile soccer players in South America has raised concerns across the region. Notably, gunmen targeted a shop owned by the family of Lionel Messi's wife in Rosario, while Liverpool player Luis Diaz's father was kidnapped in Colombia last year. These incidents reflect a growing pattern of threats and violence that athletes face in their home countries. Di Maria's illustrious career includes significant achievements, such as winning an Olympic gold medal and multiple international titles. His contributions to Argentina's recent World Cup victory have solidified his status as a key player, with sports analysts emphasizing his crucial role in the team's success.