Angel Di Maria (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Angel Di Maria, preparing for the Copa America final with Argentina, will retire from international football after the tournament but will stay with Benfica for at least another year.
Angel Di Maria is currently in the USA with the Argentina squad preparing for the Copa America final. After the tournament, he will retire from international duty but will remain with Benfica for at least another year.
Di Maria has been a key player in some of the world's best clubs throughout his career. Instead of chasing lucrative contracts, he chose to return to Benfica, where his European career began. His international career will conclude after the Copa America, but the offensive midfielder will stay with the Portuguese giants for at least another year.
"El Fideo" revealed that he would retire from international football after the Copa America. Argentina will defend their title against Colombia in the final. The former Real Madrid player debuted for the national team in 2008, playing 144 matches, scoring 31 goals, and providing 32 assists. One of his goals was in the World Cup final, where his performance was crucial in securing Argentina's third world title.
Di Maria began his career in Rosario, moving to Benfica at 19. Three years later, in 2010, he was sold to Real Madrid for €33 million. With Los Blancos, he won the league, two cups, and the Champions League. Manchester United then acquired him for €75 million, but he struggled to fit in and soon moved to PSG, where he spent seven successful years.
After a season with Juventus, Di Maria returned to Benfica. In his comeback season, at 36, he made 48 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 15 assists.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Di Maria will remain in Lisbon until at least June 2025, by which time he will be 37 years old. He may then decide to return to Rosario.
Regardless of what he chooses, Di Maria will be remembered as one of the most underrated players of his generation. He has been the top assist provider in the Champions League, La Liga, Primeira Liga, and Ligue 1 (twice). In 2014, FIFA named him among the world's best 11 players, and he was also named Argentina's best footballer that year. Always in the shadows, always productive, and always with a smile on his face. Football fans should cherish the remaining time to enjoy his magic.