Diego Rubio Chooses La Serena After Colo Colo Transfer Fails
A move to Chilean football’s Deportes La Serena has materialized for veteran forward Diego Rubio, ending speculation linking him with a return to his former club, Colo Colo. The 32-year-old, previously with Austin FC, ultimately opted for La Serena after a period of uncertainty following his departure from Major League Soccer.
The transfer saga captivated fans in Chile, with Rubio’s name frequently surfacing in discussions surrounding Colo Colo’s potential reinforcements for the 2026 season. However, the deal ultimately fell through, leading the player to seek opportunities elsewhere.
A Reunion Fuels a New Chapter
Rubio’s decision was significantly influenced by the presence of familiar faces at La Serena, particularly Felipe Gutiérrez and Pancho Bozán. According to Rubio, the pair personally reached out, sparking his interest in the “papaya project” – a term used to describe La Serena’s ambitions. “I played with him and I know how passionate he is about soccer,” Rubio stated, referring to Gutiérrez. He added that the logistical challenges of relocating his family after leaving Austin FC had been resolved, allowing him to fully commit to the new opportunity.
Colo Colo Dreams Dashed
Despite a clear desire to rejoin Colo Colo, where he began his training in Pedreros, Rubio acknowledged that the move was never fully realized. “As you say ‘Soné’ in Colo Colo. They were just rumors,” he explained. He conceded that while he had entertained the possibility of returning to the club he considers his “club of his loves,” the circumstances simply didn’t align.
“At one point I wanted to come, but it didn’t happen. Yes, it’s football. It’s cliché but it is like that. Now there are so many players and each coach has his preference. It didn’t happen, and that’s it,” Rubio said, accepting the outcome with a pragmatic outlook. The forward emphasized the competitive nature of modern football and the importance of a coach’s individual preferences in player selection.
Focus Shifts to La Serena’s Classic
Having closed the chapter on a potential move to Colo Colo, Rubio is now fully focused on his new challenge with La Serena. He is eager to contribute to the team’s success, particularly in Saturday’s highly anticipated classic against Coquimbo Unidos at the La Portada Stadium.
“I came to compete, and to help the club that trusts in me as much as possible. We need that victory and I hope we can get it,” Rubio concluded, signaling his commitment to his new team and a swift return to competitive action.
