Ángel Correa Bids Farewell to Tigres: “Not Everything Was Easy” – Set for River Plate Debut

Ángel Correa has officially closed his chapter with Mexican side Tigres UANL, posting a heartfelt farewell on Instagram just hours before he could make his debut for River Plate in the Argentine Clausura tournament. The 30-year-old forward, who joined River Plate after a complex transfer saga, is expected to wear the iconic No. 10 shirt left vacant by Juan Fernando Quintero and could see his first minutes this Saturday against Barracas Central at the Estadio Monumental.

Correa’s move to River Plate was not straightforward. Negotiations between the Buenos Aires club and Tigres stretched over several weeks, with reported threats directed at the player and his family during the final stages. Despite the turbulence, Correa’s farewell message focused on gratitude and growth.

Player’s farewell message to Tigres fans

In a post on his verified Instagram account, Correa thanked the Tigres supporters, teammates, coaching staff, and club employees. “Today I have to close a very important stage in my life,” he wrote. “I want to thank from the heart all the Tigres fans for the affection, for the support in every match, and for making me always feel at home.”

He added: “I leave with the peace of mind of having always given my best, defending this jersey with respect and commitment.” The striker acknowledged that the recent period was difficult, referring to the protracted transfer and the threats he received. “Not everything was easy in the last stretch,” he said, “but even in those situations you learn, grow, and strengthen.”

The post concluded with a note of pride: “I close this chapter with my head held high. What I lived stays forever.”

Transfer saga and the road to River

Correa’s arrival at River Plate was officially confirmed earlier this week after Tigres agreed to a transfer fee reported to be around $8 million, plus add-ons. The deal had been complicated by alleged extortion attempts, which forced Correa to temporarily leave Mexico and negotiate from Argentina. River Plate’s president, Jorge Brito, publicly supported the player during the uncertainty.

Now fully integrated into the squad, Correa trained with his new teammates on Thursday and Friday. Coach Marcelo Gallardo included him in the matchday squad for the game against Barracas Central, which kicks off the Clausura campaign for River. The club’s medical staff confirmed that Correa is fit and ready for minutes, though it remains unclear whether he will start or come off the bench.

Key facts

Debut anticipation and the No. 10 shirt

The No. 10 shirt at River Plate carries significant weight. It was last worn by Colombian playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero, who left the club in June. The number has been worn by legends such as Pablo Aimar, Ariel Ortega, and most recently, Quintero. Gallardo and the board decided to hand it to Correa, signalling that the club sees him as a central figure for the upcoming season.

Correa’s versatility – he can play as a second striker, winger, or attacking midfielder – gives Gallardo tactical options. The manager has indicated that Correa will be used in a free role behind the main striker, a position that could maximise his creativity and goal-scoring instincts.

River Plate fans have greeted the signing with enthusiasm. Social media reaction to the farewell post was largely positive, with many supporters welcoming him and urging him to replicate the form he showed at Atlético Madrid and Tigres.

What this means for River Plate’s season

River Plate enter the Clausura tournament as one of the favourites, having finished second in the Apertura. The addition of Correa strengthens an already potent attack that includes Miguel Borja, Facundo Colidio, and Pablo Solari. With the Copa Libertadores round of 16 also approaching, depth in the squad is crucial.

Correa’s experience at the highest level – he played for Atlético Madrid for nine seasons, winning La Liga and the Europa League, and then spent two seasons with Tigres – brings a winning mentality that Gallardo values. If he hits form quickly, River could mount a serious challenge for both domestic and continental honours.

The upcoming match against Barracas Central will be a first test. Barracas finished mid-table in the Apertura and are expected to defend deep, making Correa’s ability to unlock defences a key asset. The match kicks off at 20:00 local time at the Monumental.

Source: Ole – “La despedida de Correa de Tigres antes del partido ante Barracas: ‘No todo fue fácil en el último tiempo’” (https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/correa-river-tigres-despedida_0_MaLwHs4pjH.html)