Share

Di Maria admits UK desperation

Madrid - Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Angel di Maria has recognised he was desperate to leave Manchester United to join the French champions after an ill-fated solo season in England.

Di Maria's near 60 million ($92 million) move from Real Madrid to United in 2014 remains a British transfer record.

The Argentine failed to live up to the form he had shown in Madrid's Champions League winning campaign in 2014, though, as he left having scored just four goals in 32 appearances.

However, he confirmed that a terrifying attempted robbery at his Manchester home in February had precipitated his desire to join the French champions.

"I started very well, but then I had problems with people at the club," Di Maria told Spanish sports daily Marca on Thursday.

"I started to be put on the bench. Then my house was robbed, all of it made me want to leave there quickly."

Di Maria will return to Madrid with PSG in the Champions League next week having spent four years with Los Blancos.

The 27-year-old was pushed out of the club to make way for James Rodriguez after his stellar performances at the 2014 World Cup despite Di Maria's major role in finaly delivering Madrid's 10th European Cup.

And he claimed he never wanted to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

"My intention was always to stay. I never wanted to leave.

"I don't know what happened inside the club, but that was more to do with agents.

"These are things that happen in football. I left as I left, but I take with me the nicest part which was the final ovation of the Bernabeu."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
66% - 509 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
34% - 268 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE