Chimy Ávila returns to Argentina with Independiente to settle unfinished business

A free agent at 32 years old, with nine seasons in Spain behind him, and with Boca and Rosario Central knocking on his door. Even so, he ended up choosing Independiente. "Chimy" Ávila's story carries that rare flavor that hooks you: a player coming home not to quietly wind down his career, but to settle a score that's been sitting there for a while.

Ezequiel Ávila signed as Independiente's newest addition after his stint at Real Betis, where he leaves behind 8 goals in 61 matches. He has already trained under Jadson Viera, and on Wednesday he sat down alone with ESPN Equipo F, relaxed and unfiltered, as he tends to be.

The forward from Rosario, who came up through Tiro Federal and also had a spell at San Lorenzo, made no secret of the real reason behind this return to Argentine soccer.

I'm happy, I'm looking for redemption. My time at San Lorenzo ended and I had something nagging at me, being able to show more and get a shot at redemption in Argentine soccer.Chimy Ávila

Boca, Central and the final decision

There were other suitors, and Ávila held nothing back about it. He said he stayed in touch with Leandro Paredes, whom he's known since he was a kid, and that he also spoke with coach Arruabarrena, though that path didn't go anywhere. With Rosario Central, his brother's club, the deal didn't come together either due to a lack of alignment, something he acknowledged with gratitude for the Canalla's interest.

Independiente reached out to my agent, I liked how badly they wanted to bring me in and I said yes. I liked the club's project and I'm grateful for the interest. Hopefully we can win something and leave a mark.Chimy Ávila

The number he picked has a story of its own: he'll wear jersey number 6, and he said he settled on it during a video call with his wife, as a tribute to his birthday and that of a family member. As for his position, he describes himself as a versatile player who can lead the line alone or drop into a false nine role, starting from behind the target forward.

The return to Argentina also carried a family angle. After so many years away from his parents, Ávila felt the pull to come back, even though his wife would have preferred to stay in Spain for the kids' schooling.

Social media, self-criticism and a tattoo with a story behind it

Ávila didn't hold back when talking about social media and the noise it stirs up around a soccer player. He said he's learned not to give it any room, because more often than not it messes with your head instead of helping. He also opened up with some personal reflection on his own mistakes and the importance of apologizing, recalling his humble background and the idea that dreams sometimes get put on hold, but they're never given up on.

He also looked back on his ties to the Spanish national team, where he made a preliminary list during the first stretch of Luis de la Fuente's tenure, with the Euros on the horizon, though he was ultimately not called up.

On his immediate future at Independiente, he sounded at ease: he said he's talked a lot with Viera, that there's good chemistry between them, and that whether he makes the bench for the next match will be up to the coach.

There was also room for the personal side: he mentioned his younger brother, who plays for Estudiantes de La Plata, and explained the story behind the owl tattooed on his throat, tied to a family tragedy that left a mark on his life.