Internet Desk: Juan Sebastian Veron made his much-anticipated return to action for boyhood club Estudiantes on Sunday, stepping out in the 2017 Florida Cup at the age of 41.
The former Manchester United midfielder retired two years ago, but made a promise to fans that he would return if they bought 65 per cent of executive boxes at the club’s new stadium.
With that goal reached, Veron was named in the starting line-up as Argentinian side Estudiantes beat their Brazilian rivals Bahia 1-0 in Orlando.
Veron started in midfield, the same position he played during the heights of his career, for the likes of United, Chelsea, Lazio and Boca Juniors.
Estudiantes are playing in the annual Florida Cup tournament in the USA, which this year features the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg.
The La Plata-based outfit lost on penalties to Leverkusen in their opening match, before Veron’s return coincided with a 1-0 victory on Sunday.
Despite Estudiantes’ four points from their two games, Rowdies’ two straight defeats meant a bottom-placed finish for the Argentina-America team.
An unbeaten tournament for the two Bundesliga sides secured the title, with Wolfsburg technically winning on goal difference.
Estudiantes lost their first match, but with Veron in the side managed to secure a 1-0 win.
Veron will now return to South America with the squad to juggle his off-field role with his new position on the pitch.
The 41-year-old is chairman of his boyhood club, but is now expected to play a part in both the league and Copa Libertadores cup competition.
As it stands, Estudiantes lie fourth in the Primera Division, four points off league leaders Boca Juniors.