Reprodução/X/River Plate
Mohamed Saeed | Aug 12, 2026 05:52 +08:00
'They were all instrumental' — Almada reveals Di Maria and Otamendi's role in River Plate transfer from Atlético Madrid
T. Almada | River Plate | Liga Profesional | A. Di María | N. Otamendi | E. Coudet
Thiago Almada has officially completed his high-profile return to Argentine football, joining River Plate in a deal that signals a massive shift in the South American market. The World Cup winner arrives as a marquee signing intended to revitalise a side currently navigating a challenging period under Eduardo Coudet.
The influence of Coudet and senior stars
Almada has opened up about the pivotal factors that led to his return to Argentina, specifically highlighting the personal role played by head coach Coudet. Despite interest from other continental giants — including a lucrative offer from Brazilian side Flamengo — the allure of the project at the Estadio Más Monumental proved impossible to turn down for the former Vélez Sarsfield star.
Speaking to Olé, Almada emphasised how the dressing room hierarchy influenced his choice. "Coudet called me, and that was massive," the midfielder revealed. "I was constantly in touch with him, as well as Nico Otamendi and Ángel Di María once he joined. They were all instrumental in the move. My family, my wife, my parents... we all reached this decision together."
Discussing how the transfer accelerated during his summer break, he added: "I made my mind up while on holiday. It was down to my conversations with Coudet and the ambition of the project here. From that moment, I never had a second thought."
A record-breaking investment for El Millonario
River Plate's board has shown immense faith in Almada, sanctioning a club-record financial package to secure 100% of his registration from Atlético Madrid. The investment — reportedly in the region of €20 million — reflects the club's desire to close the gap on European standards, a sentiment Almada echoed during his first days at the River Camp training facility.
Almada's arrival comes at a time when the team is struggling for consistency on the pitch, but he remains confident that the quality within the squad will eventually shine through. "I know exactly where I am and what River represents; the fans expect nothing less than excellence. I've come here to play my part and help us navigate this difficult period. With the quality we have in this squad, I have no doubt we will turn things around," he noted.
Reflections on international success and family ties
Beyond his club career, Almada remains a central figure in the Argentina national team setup, reflecting on the recent 2026 World Cup where the Albiceleste finished as runners-up. He expressed how he was able to "squeeze every last drop out of it" — enjoying the camaraderie of the squad and sharing moments with teammates like Exequiel Palacios and Nicolás Otamendi.
The sentimental aspect of the move was highlighted when Almada revealed who would receive his first match-worn jersey. "The first shirt I gave away was to my mum — she's a massive River fan," he revealed with a grin. The midfielder is already bracing himself for a full-scale family invasion at the stadium, admitting the logistical nightmare of his homecoming: "I already need to start sorting tickets for Sunday. We're a big group... I'm not sure if it's more than 50 yet!"
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Immediate challenges and tactical integration
As he integrates into Coudet's tactical setup, Almada is focused on regaining his peak physical condition following a period of transition between Madrid and Buenos Aires. The postponement of a recent fixture has provided a welcome window for the playmaker to build rhythm with his new teammates and understand the specific demands of the "Coudet" system.
"I'm training hard and doing everything I can for the group," the midfielder confirmed. "The postponed match actually worked in my favour; I'm finding my rhythm with the ball again and feeling good."
Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about the impact he can make at El Monumental: "I'm treating this as a massive challenge. I know the level of expectation and excitement surrounding River, and I'm approaching this with the same mindset I had when I went to Brazil."