After being deemed expendable by Coudet at River, the forward returned to Curuzú Cuatiá and trained at Club Victoria, where a stand bears his name, showing his humility and sense of belonging
Maximiliano Salas decided to respond with actions to the news that Eduardo Coudet considered him expendable at River. Instead of waiting in Buenos Aires, he packed his bags and returned to Curuzú Cuatiá, his hometown in Corrientes.
There, Club Victoria awaited him, the field where he took his first steps with the ball and where today there is a stand that bears his name. He laced up his boots and began training with the youth players, just like one of them.
The return of the 28-year-old forward revolutionized the club and the entire city. The kids couldn't believe that the same number 7 they watch on television was there, doing exercises alongside them and sharing experience with total humility.
Club Victoria shared an emotional video on their social media under the title “Sense of Belonging.” The images show Salas in full physical and footballing preparation in the most special place of his life.
An emotional return
For Maxi, stepping on that grass was not just any training. It was a return to childhood, to the first dribbles, and to the affection of the people who saw him grow. In a humble stadium but full of history for him, he found the boost he needed at this complicated moment in his career.
The striker arrived at River with high expectations after his troubled departure from Racing. However, things did not go as he hoped in Núñez. Coudet informed him that he needed to find a new destination for the second semester, and president Stefano Di Carlo was also clear in his statements.
Salas knows that if the negotiation drags on, he will have to train separately from the main squad. While his representative looks for options, he chose to return to the starting point to stay in shape and regain strength.
El Millonario paid a buyout clause of eight million euros for him, but it is unlikely they will recover that investment in a possible transfer. The focus now is on finding him a club where he can regain minutes and prominence.
