The Colombian forward recalled his time in Núñez, confirmed Xeneize's interest and explained why he did not sign for the Mexican team
Compartir:
Miguel Ángel Borja is going through a new beginning at Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates, where he regained his scoring touch and left behind an extremely complex ending at River. In his first appearances he scored four goals and provided one assist, numbers that contrast with the final stretch of his spell in Núñez, which was marked by a goal drought and the fans' disapproval.
The Colombian forward, who became a free agent after the decision by the board not to renew his contract that was due to expire on December 31, 2025, spoke about his departure from the club and was self-critical, although he also put his performances into context. "My departure was not because I did not have the ability, it was because the team often did not click and things did not work out. I do not regret having gone to that institution. I am at peace with everything I experienced there", he stated in an interview with El VBar Caracol.
Borja sentía que su ciclo ya había terminado
Borja acknowledged that the cycle had run its course. "I was clear that a cycle had been completed. Those were very intense days for my family and for me. I experienced very important moments at the club and that is why River's jersey has a special meaning for me", he said.
Regarding his relationship with Marcelo Gallardo, he also offered a reflection: "There was a reason he did not let me leave in June, he told me that he needed me". "He brought me in because he saw something. Then Martín Demichelis arrived and I played in a system that I was used to, but when Muñeco returned I could not maintain the level. In any case, I was very grateful for the way he treated me and I showed him that he was not wrong about Miguel Borja", he added.
Borja tuvo una buena relación con Gallardo
In the middle of the transition, the striker was close to switching sides. Boca's interest was real and caused discomfort in part of the River world, although it ultimately did not materialize. "It was real, but my family and I felt that it was not the right time to go to another club in Argentina because of how football is lived there and because of the well-being of my loved ones", he explained.
After ruling out that possibility, his destination seemed to be Cruz Azul. However, the deal collapsed due to administrative issues. "I arrived in Mexico on December 26 with my whole family, we already had everything arranged with the president, I underwent the medical tests, everything went well, but the roster spot, which was the most important thing, was not available and it took too long", he recounted.
"For my part and my family's part we were very patient when we saw that things did not work out on the first and second matchdays, and by the third it was getting out of control", he asserted. "I needed to settle my family in the house and so on, and I could not do that because I had not signed the federative contract", he added.
Borja iba a ser refuerzo del Cruz Azul
With no agreement in Mexico, Borja chose Emirati football and the change of scenery restored his confidence and effectiveness. Meanwhile, as he tries to sustain this form to earn a place in Néstor Lorenzo's plans for the 2026 World Cup, the Colombian looks back on his time at River with a mixed balance: gratitude for the good moments and the feeling that the ending was not the one he wanted.
Borja's numbers at River
Since his arrival in the middle of 2022, the native of Tierralta played 8612 minutes, spread across 159 matches, in which he scored 62 goals and contributed 10 assists. In terms of trophies, he lifted three: 2023 Liga Profesional, 2023 Trofeo de Campeones and 2023 Supercopa Argentina.
