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SportsEx-Man Utd star Veron, 51, pledges comeback for boyhood club Estudiantes
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Former Manchester United and Argentina midfielder Sebastian Veron, now 51, has pledged to come out of retirement and train to play an official match for his club Estudiantes de La Plata, where he serves as president and chairman. The promise came in response to a fan's Instagram comment asking if he would play a Copa Libertadores match if the club reaches 100,000 members by 2030. Veron agreed, stating he would train to play an official match at UNO stadium. This is not his first comeback; in 2017, at age 42, he returned to play five official matches after fans bought 65% of stadium boxes. Veron has been president since October 2014 and has a deep bond with the club, having played for Estudiantes for eight years after stints at Manchester United, Chelsea, and Inter Milan.
Source report
By: Alex Comber
Many former Manchester United players have come out of retirement in the latter stages of their careers. Paul Scholes did so as a Red Devil in 2011, returning in 2012 before retiring again a year later. Nani and Antonio Valencia followed similar paths.
But not many footballers return at the age of 51.
Former Manchester United star Sebastian Veron has pledged to return from retirement and train for an official match — on one condition.
The 51-year-old was part of the launch of Argentinian club Estudiantes de La Plata's bid to reach 100,000 members by 2030. A simple challenge from a fan, however, led to a major promise.
Veron, who serves as President and Chairman of the club, was asked in an Instagram comment by a fan:
"If we reach 100,000, will you play a Libertadores match?"
Veron responded as fans had hoped, promising:
"At 100,000 I'll train to play an official match at UNO."
This is not the first time Veron has made such a commitment. In 2017, the former Manchester United star returned from retirement at age 42 after Estudiantes fans successfully purchased 65% of the boxes in the club's new stadium.
During that historic return, Veron played five official matches in South America's top tournament before saying goodbye on May 25, 2017, in a 1–0 victory against Botafogo.
Veron has developed a strong relationship with Estudiantes fans since becoming President in October 2014, following eight years playing for the club. The Argentine side clearly holds a special place in the ex-United player's heart — a player who also featured for Chelsea and Inter Milan before returning to his homeland in 2006.
It will be interesting to see whether Estudiantes can reach 100,000 members, enabling Veron to return to training once again.
This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Former Manchester United star Sebastian Veron pledges to come out of retirement at 51