Former Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria has again spoken of his departure from the club last summer, saying he was ready for a new challenge.
The 26-year-old moved from the Santiago Bernabeu to Premier League side Manchester United in a 75 million euro deal shortly after winning the Copa del Rey and Champions League with Los Blancos.
His sale was criticised by some sections of the Madridista fanbase, especially after a slow start to the campaign that saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men lose two of their opening three league fixtures.
But di Maria insists it was he who wanted to leave as he had achieved everything that was asked of him and that he wanted during his four-year stint in the Spanish capital.
Speaking to the FIFA website, di Maria said: “Well, I did everything asked of me: I won the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the Spanish league. I won every title except the Club World Cup, as I’d already left the club by then. I’d been there four years and the time had come for a change. I really wanted to play in the Premier League, which I’d been watching since I was a youngster every Saturday or Sunday before I’d go and play for Rosario Central. It was always a dream and goal of mine to try out in English football.”
He went on to reveal that he’s enjoying life in the north west of England, apart from the cold, wet weather.
Rubbish… But thank you for your service at Real Madrid.