Jhon Arias savours Cartagena homecoming as Palmeiras draw 1-1 with Junior | OneFootball

Jhon Arias marked Palmeiras' 1-1 draw at Junior Barranquilla in Cartagena with an emotional homecoming, spending time with relatives around the club's 2026 Libertadores opener at the Jaime Morón León Stadium.

According to Globo.com, nearly 20 relatives, with a flag and a white shirt bearing his face, cheered as the forward's name was read out, and his mother Mónica called it a long-held dream now lived.

Arias grew up in Quibdó, in Chocó, and with family now in Cartagena the city feels like a second home. He married Alejandra there. Before the group draw his brother Wichili wanted Junior, and when the tie appeared the family rang Arias to arrange the reunion.

On Tuesday night close family, including his mother and brothers, visited him at the hotel. By matchday the group had trebled, backing Palmeiras and applauding Ramón Sosa's goal.

The No 11 drove repeatedly down the left chasing a winner that did not come. After full-time he diverted from the team bus to greet relatives by the interview area, sharing photos and embraces with family and Junior supporters.

The squad left for the airport at midnight local time. Arias plans to see his mother again in São Paulo next week, when Palmeiras face Sporting Cristal, and he was the last player to leave the lobby.

Source: Globo.com