Maxi Salas joins Independiente Rivadavia, slams River Plate for player mistreatment

Maximiliano Salas has arrived at Independiente Rivadavia in Mendoza on loan from River Plate, aiming to reignite his football career after a difficult period. The 28-year-old attacker was part of a group of players separated from the main squad and trained apart, a situation he described as dehumanizing.

“

I came to feel that I am alive

Salas expressed his frustration with River Plate's management, stating, "I'm angry with River because we were treated very badly and we didn't deserve to end up like this." He criticized the club's decision to sideline players who were deemed "expendable," emphasizing the human aspect of the situation. "We are people. That's what one values. I'm angry because they treated us very badly," Salas told Radio La Red.

“

I am angry because we were treated very badly and we did not deserve to end up like this.

Having been acquired for nearly $10 million, Salas's tenure at River Plate did not meet expectations, both on and off the field. He made 37 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. Now, he looks forward to a fresh start with Independiente Rivadavia, where he hopes to "feel like I'm alive" and contribute to the team. He could potentially feature in the Copa Libertadores.

“

I did not feel like a player. I follow orders, but I do not agree with them. Above all, there is the human aspect, the person. Regardless of whether a group of players had a good or bad semester, we are people. That's what one values.

River Plate has a $4 million option to purchase 50 percent of Salas's contract after the one-year loan. The club's decision to move him on reflects a strategic shift, prioritizing player departures over the financial investment made in him.

“

Longoria [the Spanish sporting director] called us by phone the day before starting preseason and told us that we did not have to show up. I would have loved for Coudet to communicate it to me, but we have to follow orders from above.