Argentina legend Juan Sebastian Veron has made a shock return to professional football at the age of 41.
The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Lazio midfielder has taken his boots off the hanger to offer his services to former club Estudiantes in his hometown of La Plata.
Veron, who left the game in 2014 and quit international football way back in 2010 after playing at four World Cups, will begin a fourth permanent spell at the club for whom he has turned out more than 200 times.
#EDLP ⚽ Fútbol Profesional | Juan Sebastián Verón firmó contrato y se convirtió en el segundo refuerzo del plantel. https://t.co/KfTdqR3bVO pic.twitter.com/b9WACt2WTU
— Estudiantes de La Plata (@EdelpOficial) December 28, 2016
The veteran has signed an 18-month contract, according to an Estudiantes statement, and will be managed by his former international teammate Nelson Vivas.
Veron is also Estudiantes’ president, and will donate his minimal salary to the development of the club, it has been confirmed.
The club are currently fourth in the Argentine Primera División, four points behind league leaders Boca Juniors, and on course to earn a place in 2018’s Copa Libertadores.
In the 2017 edition of the continental competition, they have been drawn against current holders Atletico Nacional in the group stages.
Veron’s official return will come against German club Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly on January 8, after which he will be available to represent Estudiantes in domestic and continental competitions.
