Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Angel Di Maria, in his prime, was one of the world’s best wingers. Having served four seasons at Real Madrid, he won several titles at the Spanish capital but his time at the club was marred by controversy.
During his time at the club, Fideo won six titles including a Copa del Rey, La Liga, the Supercopa de Espana and a UEFA Champions League.
Now a World Cup winner, Di Maria is once again the final of the Copa America which will be played tomorrow in the United States.
Speaking to the media earlier today, the Argentine legend recalled some of his fondest memories at Real Madrid and revealed that he still followed the club and especially his former teammates.
“I still follow Real Madrid with Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal, my former teammates who are still there,” he remarked, as revealed by L’Equipe.
Di Maria then went back to his first days at Real Madrid and how he was forced to work hard to establish his name among the many greats.
“When I arrived at Real Madrid, there were incredible stars & I ended up playing, even when there was Benzema, Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo. I made my place in the middle alongside Modrić and Xabi Alonso.”
Di Maria then spoke about the various managers he worked under at the Spanish capital and how his role changed over the years.
“I loved working with Mourinho at Real Madrid. When Ancelotti arrived, I had never played in a three-man midfield and he invented a position for me in his team, even though there were great players in the squad.”
“And I ended up winning the Champions League playing in that position,” he added on his time under the Italian gaffer.
The World Cup winner then delved into the topic of Karim Benzema and how the former Real Madrid striker had the potential to turn a game around single-handedly.
“Benzema is a player with a unique quality: it’s as if you don’t see him, and then suddenly, without warning, he grabs the ball, takes out two or three players & delivers a decisive pass or scores a goal. He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Finally, the Argentine ace was asked about Kylian Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid, especially given that he has shared the dressing room with the French phenom at PSG.
“Mbappe has extraordinary speed that can make a difference at any moment. Even when the game seems locked, he sees space & starts running & if you give him a good ball, he’s decisive. For me, it’s obvious that he’ll end up winning the Ballon d’Or.”
