Nacional seals late arrival of 36‑year‑old Argentine Botta

On Tuesday, Club Nacional de Football unveiled Argentine midfielder Rubén Botta as its newest signing, completing a deal that had only days earlier been described as an advanced negotiation. The 36‑year‑old left‑footed playmaker signed a contract until December 2027 after leaving Defensa y Justicia as a free agent.

El Club Nacional de Football presented Botta in Montevideo on Tuesday, after the Argentine had postponed his planned travel from Saturday on several occasions before finally arriving in Uruguay to finalise the transfer. The announcement marked the end of a waiting period that had left fans eager for the Decano’s new acquisition.

In his presentation, Nacional highlighted Botta’s extensive career, noting his beginnings at Tigre and subsequent spells with Inter, Chievo Verona, Pachuca, San Lorenzo, Colón and Talleres among others. The club also recalled his trophy haul, which includes a CONCACAF Champions League title with Pachuca and an International Super Cup with T.

Botta returned to Defensa y Justicia in January after leaving Talleres, signing a deal that was intended to run until December 2026. During his short stint he featured in 14 matches, scoring once – the decisive goal in a 1‑0 victory over Deportivo Riestra in the second round of the Torneo Apertura – and took part in the opening goal of a 5‑2 win against San Lorenzo.

Having spent almost three months without official competition, Botta now faces the immediate task of regaining match fitness in Montevideo. The lack of continuity, a suspension and the pause caused by the World Cup have left him out of action for an extended period.

Jorge Bava, the current coach of the Bolso, praised Botta’s versatility, describing him as “a typical creative midfielder who can play on the left wing, as an interior or as a playmaker”. He added that Botta can also operate as an attacking midfielder and that his profile was thoroughly evaluated by the club’s sporting department before the signing was confirmed.