Angel Di Maria has written an open letter to Real Madrid supporters in which he insisted he never wanted to leave the club.
Di Maria last night completed a British record transfer to Manchester United but Marca reports that in his goodbye message, the Argentina international expresses his desire to remain at Santiago Bernabeu.
“My cycle at Real Madrid has come to an end. It’s impossible to capture all I have experienced here in a few lines, but this letter is to communicate how I’m feeling at the moment of parting,” he began.
“In these four years I’ve had the honour of wearing this shirt I have felt nothing but pride for what I went through and what I have achieved with my teammates.
“Unfortunately today I have to go but I want to make it clear that this was never my desire. I’ve always wanted to progress, as anyone does in their job.
“I went to the World Cup after winning La Decima with the hope of getting some signal from the club but it never came. Many things and many lies were spoken.
“They always wanted to attribute the idea of leaving on me but that’s not what happened. Unfortunately my football isn’t liked by someone.
“The only thing I asked for is fairness. There are many things I value and many of them have nothing to do with my salary.
“I hope I can find them at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world and at which I’m hoping to make history.
“I’ve been lucky enough to share a dressing room with fantastic players, who have been even better companions. I think that was the key to La Decima.
“I want to apologise for the times I was wrong, on or off the pitch. It was never my intention to harm anyone. I sweated for this shirt in every game as if it was my last.
“There were times when things went for me and others when they didn’t, but what I can say is I always gave everything.
“I want to thank Spain for everything you have given me and especially for allowing my daughter to be born in this country. And the very special people at Monteprincipe hospital, who I will always carry in my heart. My wife, daughter and I will be forever grateful.
“Also to my colleagues who always gave me their support, in good times and bad, to the various technical staffs I got to work with and also to the people who work every day at the club, with whom I had a great relationship.
“I wish that Madrid have a great season and achieve what the club is always looking for. I take forever in my memory that time in the Supercopa when I came on at the Bernabeu and the immense affection I received from the fans. Thank you. I have goose bumps still.
“I can’t think of a better farewell for what was unfortunately my last game.
“Hala Madrid! Always and forever!”
