Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez have a special bond with Racing, the club where they developed before shining in Europe and becoming world champions with the Argentina National Team. Although they're still far from returning, Gustavo Costas, current coach of the Academia, is excited about seeing them again in Avellaneda and doesn't hide it.
During an interview on the program Golgana from Olga, Costas shared how his meeting with De Paul went when he visited the Tita Mattiussi Training Ground: "He came and I told him, "Keep making money, but remember you have to come home. Don't laugh, I'm serious"," he revealed with a laugh. He then added that he told Lautaro Martínez exactly the same thing.
More seriously, the 62-year-old coach was blunt about his intentions: "They get off the plane and come to Tita. If they don't come to Racing while I'm here, I'll go as a fan to get them anyway".
Although both players continue their careers abroad, the desire to return to the club where they were born doesn't seem far off. Lautaro, who debuted at Racing and left for Inter Milan in 2018, has a contract with the Italian club until mid-2029 and is currently 27 years old. His level keeps him as one of the top figures in European soccer.
Lautaro tiene contrato en Inter hasta 2029
Meanwhile, Rodrigo De Paul has just signed with Inter Miami for 15 million dollars, which would mark an important step toward his future return to the country. In the player's circle, the possibility is already being considered that, after the 2026 World Cup, his return to the Academia will be set in motion.
De Paul es nuevo refuerzo de Inter Miami
For now, Costas keeps the dream alive and, according to his words, he's willing to do whatever it takes, even as a fan, to make the return of the world champions to Racing a reality.
