From representing Chile to playing for Wimborne Town in the FA Cup: the remarkable story of Angel Diaz
Every season, the FA Cup likes to serve up a story that captures the imagination of those who truly believe in its magic. Step forward Angel Diaz and his unlikely journey to Wimborne Town.
Diaz made local headlines on the afternoon of October 17, when he scored an 84th-minute winner for the Magpies in a dramatic fourth-round qualifying clash against Chelmsford City.
It was a goal that secured the club's place in the FA Cup first round proper, where they will take on League Two strugglers Crawley Town in a fixture that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
Naturally, Diaz's heroics left many onlookers with a burning question. How did a 19-year-old former Chile youth international end up playing for a team in the Southern League Premier South Division?
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Angel Diaz's journey from Colo Colo to Wimborne Town is a special one
Not so long ago, the teenager was widely regarded as one of the most promising young players at Colo Colo, one of South America's biggest clubs.
In fact, he was attracting interest from a number of major clubs in Brazil, including Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro, with the latter submitting a formal proposal to secure his services.
However, Colo-Colo decided to reject the offer. It was a decision Diaz and his representatives respected, but his situation became increasingly difficult at the club.
After receiving a lack of clarity around his pathway towards the Colo Colo first-team, he eventually decided to explore opportunities in Europe.
Diaz knew he had the technical ability to succeed in Europe, but his physical conditioning needed work, so the Chilean took a risk by moving to England in a bid to improve that aspect of his game.
He moved to Southampton to take part in an intensive development programme that was designed to focus on his strength, endurance, agility and recovery.
Diaz was training twice a day, but after a month, he wanted to improve his match fitness, which is when Wimborne Town came into the equation.
So, how is he getting on? Since the club allowed him to train and play friendly matches, Diaz has made a handful of appearances in the league, with a four-goal haul against Havant & Waterlooville being one of his standout moments.
Diaz, who has played a pivotal role in Wimborne's FA Cup run, has adapted extremely well to the physical demands of English football alongside Max Bustamante, another fellow Chilean.
SPORTbible can also confirm that his performances have attracted interest from elsewhere, with discussions taking place with several clubs across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.
While Diaz has made his mark on the pitch, his relationship with the Wimborne supporters has been just as important in helping him settle.
After being substituted against Havant & Waterlooville, it took him five minutes to reach the bench because he was hugging, high-fiving, and taking selfies with those in attendance.
Diaz, meanwhile, is desperate to help Wimborne reach the FA Cup second round for the first time in their history.
Jack Kenmare
