OFFICIAL: 35-year-old Di Maria leaves Juventus as a free agent
Angel Di Maria is set for a sensational return to Benfica, 13 years after departing the club, after deciding to leave Juventus following a single season in Serie A.
The 35-year-old penned a one-year deal with the Turin outfit last summer, after a seven-year stay with PSG, and enjoyed a productive individual campaign in what was a topsy-turvy year for the club.
Di Maria most notably played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win midway through last season, scoring the second goal in the side’s 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph in the final over France.
Juventus, who finished seventh in Serie A last season after being handed a 10-point deduction for financial irregularities, thanked the winger in a statement on Thursday which announced his departure.
‘Following one season in black and white, Angel Di Maria and Juventus have parted ways,' the club statement read.
‘Among the most notable highlights in Bianconero was his goal on debut against Sassuolo: a well-taken volley that sent the fans at the Allianz Stadium into raptures.
‘Thank you for everything, and all the best for the future, Fideo!’
Di Maria is now on the verge of a return to Benfica, who he left in 2010 to join Real Madrid.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the Portuguese outfit and Di Maria have reached the 'final stages', with a deal close to being completed.
Di Maria rose to prominence during his three-year spell with Benfica following his move from Argentinian side Rosario Central in 2007.
In Lisbon, he won a league title and two league cups before he would return to the city, after making a £21m switch to Real Madrid, to win the Champions League in 2014.
Di Maria will join a Roger Schmidt-led team, who enjoyed a superb season last term. The Eagles regained their Portuguese title for the first time in four seasons and topped a difficult Champions League group that included PSG and Juventus.
eggosa91
709
The man of finals __ Di Maria Put some respect to is name!
Shmonny
489
JUST BEAUTIFUL ANGEL DI MARIA 💯🙌🏾
Kingval60
450
2005 — Di Maria and Messi win the U20 World Cup 2008 — Win Olympic gold (Messi assists Di María winner) 2021 — Win the Copa América on a Di María goal 2022 — Both scored in the World Cup final. 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi x Angel Di Maria The best duo playing for there country
Kingblue545
391
Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo have a lot in common, they all played for Real Madrid, Man united, Juventus and Portuguese league. Top players!
KingEric
328
One of the greatest midfielders/attackers of all time. He didn't really play in the best Juventus team of all time, so we didn't get to see the best him. Legend!!.
Shmonny
304
One of the best to ever do it 🔥🫡
Iffy106
263
The most underrated big match payer of all time. I will never forget this match and how you retired Puyol. Go to Saudi Arabia get there money and come back to Benfica
Ernest1222
260
Old Keke with Benz engine 😎😎😎
Kingval60
247
🗣 Di Maria: “It was a dream to have the possibility to play with Rooney, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo, and Messi. "They were players that I used on the PlayStation and I would never have imagined I'd get to play with them. "But Leo is the best of the four!"
Kingval60
228
Can someone please make a team called FREE AGENTS FC. because the free agents available can beat any team
Kevin201
164
Arsenal is back on the top of the table 🥰
Kingval60
148
Angel Di Maria: "After Mbappe scored his goals, I saw the world collapsing in front of me, and when I spoke to my colleagues on the bench I knew we were going to lose the cup, but when I remembered that when I score in the final match I never lose, I said, 'We won't lose'". "Except Messi, all players are equal for Scaloni, and every player can play based on what the coach sees, not based on names. From day one, all the players wanted Messi to win the cup".