Estudiantes midfield engine Juan Sebastián Verón has opted to stay with the club that spawned his pro career, leaving a multi-million dollar offer from DC United on the table.

After thinking long and hard about the switch, the Little Witch decided to bow to urging from teammates and fans, remaining with Los Pincharratas for their upcoming Copa Libertadores campaign.

"I'm staying because of the fans and my teammates," Verón told Argentinean sports daily Olé. "The truth is that I couldn't say goodbye."

"My teammates told me, 'We fought for a year to play in the Copa Libertadores and we have to stay together'."

"It was a lot of money (to turn down)," he admitted. "Maybe I would advise a kid to go, but in a situation like mine it is better to live for the things that give you happiness."