• Premier League

Di Maria tired of having to prove himself at Madrid

ESPN staff
August 28, 2014
Angel Di Maria was officially unveiled by Manchester United on Thursday © PA Photos
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Angel Di Maria's father claims Manchester United's most expensive signing was tired of having to prove himself at Real Madrid and was impressed by the salary hike offered at Old Trafford.

Miguel Di Maria is also said to have claimed the £59.7 million British record buy was unhappy at falling behind Gareth Bale in the pecking order and denied claims the Spanish club had offered the forward an annual wage of £4.8m to keep his son.

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Di Maria senior said of the player unveiled as United's new No.7: "The first problems that arose were the result of financial reasons. He joined Madrid for a certain salary and they left it at that," Miguel Di Maria told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope. "Madrid never offered him €6m (£4.8m) [in a new deal]. Their ultimate offer was €5m (£4m), which represented a €1.5m (£1.2m) pay rise.

"Angel was never really appreciated at Madrid. It was always as if they didn't want him at the club. They never showed him any affection.

"Angel was tired of having to prove himself over and over again. He had already proven himself. Madrid have lost a key player, someone who could make the difference at any given moment.

"He is happy at Manchester United now and they treat him well. Their financial offer was also higher than what Madrid had offered."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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