Football: Angelino returns to boyhood club Deportivo on loan from Roma
Madrid, Aug 6
Spanish left-back Angelino has completed an emotional return to his boyhood club Deportivo La Coruna, joining the newly-promoted La Liga side on a season-long loan from Serie A outfit Roma.
The 29-year-old, whose full name is Jose Angel Esmoris, came through Deportivo's youth academy before leaving Spain to join Manchester City early in his professional career. After more than a decade playing across Europe, Angelino is now back at the club where his football journey began.
Announcing the signing, Deportivo described the move as a special homecoming for one of their own. "After playing in some of the most important venues in European football, Angelino returns home. To the city and the badge with which he took his first steps," the club said in a statement as quoted by Xinhua.
"The club also highlighted the emotional significance of the transfer, adding: "Beyond the numbers and the clubs where he has shone, there is one aspect that makes this signing very special: the return of a Deportivo fan who never hid his desire to one day wear the first team shirt. Now that shared dream is becoming a reality," the club announced.
As part of the agreement, Deportivo have secured an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Angelino's career has taken him across several of Europe's top leagues. After joining Manchester City, he gained experience through loan spells with New York City FC, Mallorca, NAC Breda and Girona before establishing himself in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven.
He later enjoyed successful spells with RB Leipzig in Germany and Roma in Italy, earning a reputation as an attack-minded full-back with strong crossing ability and technical quality.
His arrival adds valuable experience to a Deportivo squad preparing for its return to La Liga after securing promotion by finishing second in Spain's Segunda Division last season.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who follows La Liga closely, this is a smart move by Deportivo. They need experienced players like Angelino who understand the club's culture and have played at the highest level. His crossing ability will be crucial for their survival in La Liga. Wish him all the best!
This is such a classy move by Deportivo. In an era of mercenary footballers, it's refreshing to see a player return to his boyhood club. The emotional connection will definitely boost team morale. Let's hope he can help them stay up in La Liga! 🙌
As someone who watched him play at RB Leipzig, Angelino is still a quality player. His experience in the Champions League will be invaluable for a newly-promoted team. The option to make it permanent is a smart clause too. Great signing!
This reminds me of how Indian footballers feel when they return to their home states to play in ISL. The emotional connection to your hometown club is unmatched. Really happy for Angelino and Deportivo fans. This is proper football romance! ❤️
While I understand the sentimental value, I have some concerns. At 29, and having struggled for game time at Roma, is he still at the level required for La Liga? Deportivo need players who can handle the physical demands of a relegation battle. Hope I'm wrong, but this feels more like a marketing move than a footballing one.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.