Angel Di Maria has revealed a deal to join former rivals Barcelona last summer was closer than many thought.
The former Real Madrid star appeared likely to depart from Paris Saint-Germain before the start of the season following Neymar's £198million world-record arrival from Barcelona.
The Argentine was 'close' to a move in the opposite direction as the PSG bosses looked to balance their books following the Brazilian's move from the La Liga giants, but he was left disappointed after any potential deal collapsed.
'I was really close to joining Barcelona but in the end, it wasn't to be,' he told TyC Sports. 'I started 2018 on a good foot, though, and I am really happy. I like assisting goals more than scoring them.'
After a first half of the season that was mostly restricted to substitute appearances for the winger - being kept out of the starting line up by PSG's new-look front three of Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe - Di Maria has made a fast start to 2018.
In the absence of Mbappe, first through injury and more recently through suspension following his red card at Rennes last month, the 29-year-old has five goals in six games, with his last coming in Tuesday's 4-1 win at Sochaux.
He has entered a strong case to start when on his return to Real when PSG travel to Spain on Wednesday night for their Champions League last 16 showdown.
Di Maria spent four seasons at the Bernabeu, winning the Champions League, the La Liga title and Spanish Cups, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in all four.
However, while Di Maria spent a large chunk of his club career with the Portuguese superstar, his allegiances still lie with compatriot and rival to Ronaldo, Lionel Messi.
He said: 'Messi is always the best, he's the best every year. Cristiano Ronaldo's a special player, but Messi's from another planet.
'There are no words to describe Messi, he always surprises you.'
m-maryan
136
Messi is a best Barcelona player. He is actually the greatest Barcelona player of all time. But needs Barcelona, he is nothing without Barce. Real Madrid is nothing without Ronaldo. Portugal is nothing without Ronaldo.
DeeMoses
136
HalaMarid! Most player already knows the reality that Messi will always be and continuing being the best even if he’s not awarded and CR7 got more ballon D’or... He’s the GOAT.
Zuncdelprs
104
I don't even understand how do the manage to discuss about the matter " Who is the best ?" after such a terrible season of [CR7]..I think u hv some brain RonaldoFans...How do u dare to compare...Look at the statistics...Even after u called Ronaldo 'The Best' then you have to Called Kane The bestest...F***king logic...Just wait... It was Zidane,now Maria...all will Slap u...just stop comparing.. after 32 yrs he manages to be Compared with Leo..and on the other side..On 24yrs Leo is being compare with Pele,Maradona...I think u should get it..!!!!
mcjenise
69
Dont u know that di maria is a coward,so what do u expect from him,some body that make u to wear so many medals in ur entire football career than u look at him and degrade him to nothing so much disrespectful of him
there is no disrespect there KK...u don't have to be bias and stay away from the truth just because someone has helped u...he is simply saying the truth and nothing but the truth n we all without bias minds will confirm messi is d most complete player the game has ever seen so stay aside ...maradona said it ..tevez said it n so many others have said it ...now he is saying it n others will say it..so we better face the truth n get ready fr more truth no matter how hard it comes
Daddy-Boyzs
59
Dont u know that di maria is a coward,so what do u expect from him,some body that make u to wear so many medals in ur entire football career than u look at him and degrade him to nothing so much disrespectful of him
Grabiboulga
56
Messi is a best Barcelona player. He is actually the greatest Barcelona player of all time. But needs Barcelona, he is nothing without Barce. Real Madrid is nothing without Ronaldo. Portugal is nothing without Ronaldo.
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Again... Stop using this false argument every time you can.. Last year Ronaldo depends on RM the whole season waiting in the box for good balls.. Currently Cr7 is out of form, really strange that all the RM players are out of form too.. As every coaches said Messi could play anywhere.. You guys have to watch football.. If you cant see that then you have missed smth
kingnogo
46
if dmaria was younger i would have wanted him at barca but now his age i don't think he will ever wear the Barcelonashirt
Bioikuyz
20
I don't even understand how do the manage to discuss about the matter " Who is the best ?" after such a terrible season of [CR7]..I think u hv some brain RonaldoFans...How do u dare to compare...Look at the statistics...Even after u called Ronaldo 'The Best' then you have to Called Kane The bestest...F***king logic...Just wait... It was Zidane,now Maria...all will Slap u...just stop comparing.. after 32 yrs he manages to be Compared with Leo..and on the other side..On 24yrs Leo is being compare with Pele,Maradona...I think u should get it..!!!!
goals and assists doesn't meter. everyone know that ronaldo great in his own strength and messi great in his own style. if you ask ronaldo who is best then he say that messi is the best and if you ask messi then he say that no other than ronaldo. so if both compromise their self towards each other then who like to compare them as enemies.
RYANLEW
17
We Can't Compare To This Two Legend Both Of Them Is So Perfect And Unstoppable .If They Combine Together I Think No One Can Defeat Them Because They Are The Best Player In The World !!!!!! [messi]+[CR7]= 😵😵😨😨🤤
Pehbcdiruz
14
do u know why A.Dmaria said that? messi is more than coach in Argentine football association.so,to be selectefd 4 wc,it is duty 4 him to recognise Messi!!! we know the secret behind