It was almost set to be the perfect homecoming.
Having left Independiente Medellin and Colombia in 2016, Alfredo Morelos was set to return for the Copa America this summer.
But late upheaval has stripped both his native land and co-hosts Argentina of their status - handing the tournament to Brazil with two weeks notice.
Not that the Rangers star will be taking much notice - because the chance to play for his country on the biggest South American stage is too big for the background noise to have any effect.
Despite a diminished goal return Steven Gerrard and the Gers fanbase know he was integral to their Premiership success last season and he's developed into a multi-faceted forward capable of disrupting defences, assisting and scoring.
Manager Reinaldo Rueda will also be taking notice. With legend Falcao out of the international picture Morelos has risen up the pecking order at the top end of the park with his main rivals for a start now in the form of Atalanta pair Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel.
Morelos is out of practice after a positive Covid test ruled him out of action for World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru which also served as a Copa warm-up.
But he's back in the fold now and here's how Rangers fans can watch El Bufalo in action for his country.
When are the matches?
Group stage (kick-offs are UK time):
Colombia vs Ecuador: Monday, June 14 (1am)
Colombia vs Venezuela: Thursday, June 17 (10pm)
Colombia vs Peru: Monday, June 21 (1am)
Brazil vs Colombia: Thursday, June 24 (1am)
Knockouts
With four teams from five qualifying, it's highly likely Colombia make it to the knockout phase, which starts with the quarter-finals.
That begins on July 2 and 3, with the semis on July 5 and 6 and the final taking place in Rio's Maracana on July 10.
What channel is showing the Copa America?
Fearing some obscure streaming provider? Fear not!
Every game is live on the good old BBC - check the iPlayer and website though, as it won't be on the normal TV stations.
You'll be able to stream the match to any device too.
