After months of speculation, Angel Di Maria is finally a Paris Saint-Germain player.
Even with Financial Fair Play restrictions lifted, Paris have been slow to make the big splash in the summer transfer window that fans have been calling for, making only two low-key signings in Benjamin Stambouli and Kevin Trapp for an estimated €18 million total. With the arrival of Di Maria, PSG have made a statement of intent with what may arguably be the best signing of the summer.
I am very proud, and can’t wait, to wear the colors of Paris Saint-Germain. I want to win every competition we enter, both in France and Europe. I want to win the Champions League, which is a dream for all footballers, for a second time. We will do everything we can to bring Europe’s biggest trophy to France and the fans of Paris Saint-Germain. – Angel Di Maria
The Argentine had been linked with a move to Paris since last summer, with the former Real Madrid man reportedly admitting that he was keen on a move to the French capital, but due to FFP restrictions, the deal eventually fell through and Di Maria ultimately ended up at Manchester United. All this coming after the best season of his career where he helped Real Madrid achieve the coveted La Decima and Argentina reach the World Cup final. The brilliant winger recorded 26 assists in all competitions in the 2013-14 season, more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues and earned a spot in the 2014 FIFA FIFPro XI.
However, the 27-year-old struggled to replicate his form from the previous season with the Premier League giants despite his promising start. He never seemed to fit manager Louis van Gaal’s system and was often played out of position or left on the bench. Even with the setbacks, Di Maria still managed to record an impressive 10 assists in the league.
Di Maria continued to silence his critics with an amazing showing at the Copa America, where he played a vital role in Argentina’s run to the final, contributing two goals and two assists. If he can carry on this excellent form at Paris, he would surely become one of the most vital components of the squad.
In Di Maria, PSG have acquired a world class talent with Champions League experience. The pacey winger is versatile and can play in a number of positions, including the midfield, which makes him a valuable asset to have in the squad. He will bring an added creative boost to the team and the attacking duo of Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (who recently gave the transfer his approval) will benefit greatly.
Zlatan to Le Parisien post-Chelsea: "Welcome to him (Di Maria), he will bring many qualities. He is a good player & will make team better."
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) July 26, 2015
PSG supporters have waited a long time for this transfer and I believe it will be worth the wait. I have no doubt that if Di Maria lives up to expectations at Paris, he has the quality to make the 3-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years.
The addition of Di Maria moves PSG closer to Europe’s elite and with more signings still expected to arrive, Paris Saint-Germain supporters can now dream even bigger.
Extra Time:
A few of our favorite tweets about Di Maria by Manchester United supporters
The WORST number 7 in Man Utd’s history. Fuck off Di Maria you fucking cunt. I hope you get killed by a car bomb. https://t.co/M6d8PZN0yg
— Fredrik (@FREDRlK) August 3, 2015
fuck Di Maria.hope Rafa Break his Leg https://t.co/ywVBIEe99w — Edmond Mufc (@edmond841003) August 5, 2015
@UnitedStandMUFC pictures of Di Maria having his medical at PSG……. #snake #gofuckyourself pic.twitter.com/N1W7xTjLc6 — Bar (@barbyrne22) August 2, 2015
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