When Angel di Maria arrived at Old Trafford he could not have shown a bigger smile to the media and the fans waiting in Manchester, but apparently deep inside the Argentinian winger, it was not a happy occasion. Di Maria recently revealed that joining the Premier League side was not something he wanted to do.
"My intention was always to stay at Madrid. I don't really know what happened on the inside of the deal - these are things that representatives deal with. It happens in football," Di Maria said in an interview with MARCA.
Di Maria made good friends in Real Madrid
Angel Di Maria: "Carlo Ancelotti is a great coach and a great person. He believed in me in my hardest times." pic.twitter.com/4IxcYrDYkR
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) October 29, 2015
After being a key element in Madrid's 10th Champions League title, most fans wanted El Fideo to stay with them, but he made no comment about wanting to continue. He actually seemed more fond of the idea to explore new horizons and when Manchester United signed him for £59.7million (a British record fee), those horizons seemed to please him.
During his time in Manchester, things went well for him but not for long. He went from being a regular starter to a regular bench warmer. His relationship with Van Gaal deteriorated gradually and he even left without saying much to Man United fans, players and officials.
"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for," were the words of Di Maria the day he arrived at Old Trafford.
Di Maria: "I never wanted to leave RM, don't believe the lies. I will always remember the standing ovation I received at the Bernabeu."
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) October 29, 2015
After only one year in England, Di Maria was only able to score three goals in 27 Premier League appearances. That did not please fans after the club had paid such a high fee for him. His home was burglarized towards the end of the season as well. In the end, what could have been a dream year, turned into a nightmare.
"My move to PSG could have happened before this summer but it didn't for financial reasons and I ended up going to United. In the
Di Maria seems to have found another happy place in Paris. In seven Ligue 1
He is ready to come back to a place he never wanted to leave
Angel Di Maria: "PSG will be a brave team at the Santiago Bernabeu that will go out to win the game from the beginning." #HalaMadrid
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) October 29, 2015