Gabi Milito during his Independiente days

Argentina Primera Division club CA Independiente, who recently lifted this year’s Copa Sudamericana that sees them automatically qualified for next year’s Copa Libertadores, has an eye on bringing their former idol, FC Barcelona’s defender Gabriel Milito, back to Avellaneda.

“It would be gratifying if we can bring our former stars back,” el Diablo Rojo club president Julio Comparada told Argentina’s ‘la Red’ radio station on Monday.

“Gabriel is the kind of player that characterised this club, a club he loves. He was brought up here. He was a leader and held a privileged position. I hope it’s possible.”

Confirming that an approach had been made with the 30-year-old Argentinean international, Comparada said Gabi told him he “just wants to return to full fitness [for now].”

“I know it would be cruel to give people [unrealistic] expectations but the truth is that it is up to Milito to decide more than it is up to club. We are just happy that he wants to return home.”

“He told me he wants to fight for Independiente in the Copa Libertadores.”

“That being said the most important consideration we have this year is to stabilise our economy and complete the new stadium. Milito and Denis [another transfer target] will have to make that decision themselves. Both have a connection with this club and would love to represent it, but they are beyond our reach for now.”

Gabriel Milito started playing professionally for Independiente in 1997 before moving to la Liga side Real Zaragoza in 2003. He joined FC Barcelona in the summer of 2007 for a reported €20 million fee.