Colombian star forward Juan Pablo Angel has returned to Atletico Nacional, the Medellin-based soccer club where he began his career 20 years ago.
After playing in Colombia, Argentina, England and the United States, and scoring an impressive 226 goals, Angel signed a one-year contract with an option for renewal.
“I want to return to the place where I felt important for the first time, to find myself in the stadium packed with fans, and to feel the support of the best crowd in the country,” said Angel in a video presentation.
The return of 37-year-old Medellin native was welcomed warmly by his family and broad fan base.
Plagued by lower back pain in the second half of his career, Angel was nevertheless a strong offensive presence, helping the New York Red Bulls to the MLS Final in 2008. The Red Bull manager at the time was Juan Carlos Osorio, the same man who currently manages Nacional.
“I haven’t yet practiced with the team. There’s no guarantee that I’ll play,” said Angel.
Juan Pablo Angel left the MLS as a free agent. His last contract, with Chivas USA, ended in December of 2012.