The Argentine would preferred to have stayed in Spain.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer rumours.
The excitement of Manchester United fans after the £59.7m signing of Angel di Maria could be dampened by the fact the midfielder didn’t actually want to leave Real Madrid.
Di Maria became the most expensive transfer in British history on Tuesday upon finalising his switch to Old Trafford, but if the Argentina international had his way he would still be in the Spanish capital.
“Sadly, now I have to go, but I want to make it clear that this was never my wish,” the South American was quoted by ESPN.
“Many things were said and many lies circulated. They always wanted to pin the idea of leaving the club on me, but that’s not how it was.”
The 26-year-old is United’s fourth major signing of the summer and along with Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo takes their total spending to £131.7m.
Di Maria spent four years at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu following a move from Benfica, during which time he won two Copa del Rey titles, La Liga and the Champions League.
However, the summer arrival of both Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez saw the Argentine’s chances for first team action decrease greatly and in the end the midfield ace was forced out of the club.
SEE ALSO: Manchester United XI with Angel di Maria.
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