FAJAR.CO.ID, LISBOA—The winger for the Argentine national team, Angel Di Maria, is one of the players being chased by Saudi Arabian clubs this summer.
However, Di Maria, who was also expected to return to Argentina, ignored the Saudi Pro League club’s big offer and chose to join Benfica.
“I did receive a lot of calls from Saudi Arabia, it was a crazy offer, but I chose with my heart and chose Benfica,” Di Maria told DSports Radio in Argentina.
The Argentinian hero of the 2022 World Cup joined Juve as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, signing a one-year deal with the option of a second.
However, after 40 competitive appearances with eight goals and seven assists, El Fideo opted to leave. The player appears uninterested in extending their relationship beyond a year.
“It was a very difficult year for the club. I never understood what happened the whole season. I try to understand and do my job when it’s my chance to play, but I don’t play too much and in the end it affects me,” he said as quoted by Football Italia.
It was a tumultuous season off the pitch as well as on the inside, with the club being penalized for points deductions in Serie A for financial irregularities, changing the entire board of directors and eventually dropping from third to seventh position.
Di Maria threw harsh words at various club representatives and also coach Allegri after leaving.
