Former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger Angel di Maria reportedly faced death threats in his hometown of Rosario.
These threats arose following his expressed desire to return to his former club, Rosario Central, to conclude his career.
While the 36-year-old has not publicly addressed the issue, the threats coincide with a surge in gang violence in Rosario.
Reports indicate that drug cartels are behind the threats, as well as the recent escalation of violence in the area.
The threats were delivered to di Maria's parents, cautioning him against returning to Rosario and warning of harm to a family member if he did.
The letter stated: "Tell your son Angel not to come back to Rosario again because otherwise we'll do him by killing a family member. Not even Pullaro (Provincial Governor Maximiliano Pullaro) is going to save you. We don't shoot little notes. We shoot lead and dead people."
In response to the threats, Rosario Central authorities issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with di Maria and his family.
The statement reads: "We feel aggrieved, damaged, and harmed because these types of violent actions directly attack the economy and sporting success of the clubs. It cannot be permitted that they want to intimidate footballers or attack them and/or their families who are the main protagonists of sporting events, nor can violence against any actor in the football family be permitted."
