Joaquín Correa Returns to Estudiantes After 12 Years Abroad

Striker Joaquín Correa has officially returned to his boyhood club, Estudiantes de La Plata, after a 12-year career in European football. The 31-year-old forward was presented as the team's new reinforcement on Friday, marking a significant homecoming for the player known as 'Tucu'.

Correa's return was contingent on resolving two key issues in recent days. Estudiantes had been under a FIFA transfer ban since March due to an outstanding debt related to the signing of Facundo Farías from Inter Miami. The club successfully settled this debt, leading FIFA to lift the sanction on Thursday. Additionally, Correa finalized his separation from Brazilian club Botafogo, where he had a contract.

He has signed a two-year loan agreement with Estudiantes, with an option to become a free agent upon its conclusion. Correa expressed his gratitude to the "Pincha family" for their support throughout his career. Before heading to Europe at age 20, he played 65 matches for Estudiantes. His European journey included stints at Sampdoria, Sevilla, Lazio, and Inter Milan, where he made over 100 appearances for the latter two clubs and earned caps for the Argentine national team.

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I want to thank the entire Pincha family for the messages now and all this time. On this path, I felt very accompanied by you, who always gave me affection and fondness.