In an interview with L’Équipe, Ángel Di María reflects on his career and discusses the rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
His farewell to Argentina: “My decision is made. Some wanted me out before, and now they want me to continue. After all I’ve achieved with the national team, I now have the peace of mind to say goodbye.”
Playing with Messi and CR7: “They only think about winning, all the time. But in the end, the best is the one with the most Ballon d’Ors, and Messi has 8. For me, there is a certain distance between him and Cristiano. We still talk about them worldwide even though they play in the United States and Saudi Arabia. Their rivalry helped La Liga grow and made everyone love football. With Messi, the USA is starting to rediscover football.”
His tenure at top European clubs: “I take satisfaction in having played for all these clubs. When I arrived at Benfica, there were great players, and I eventually found my place. There were incredible stars at Real Madrid, and I ended up playing alongside Benzema, Bale, Cristiano… I found my place alongside Modrić and Xabi Alonso. The same at Manchester United and PSG with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé.”
Individual honors: “I’m a worker in the shadows; that’s always been my way. I’ve never liked cameras, the spotlight, none of that interests me. Everything I’ve achieved in my career is thanks to hard work. Whether I’m higher or lower in the Ballon d’Or rankings, it doesn’t change anything for me. It’s people’s and the press’ opinion.”
Mbappé: “He is extraordinarily fast and can make a difference at any moment. Even when the match seems closed, he sees space and starts running. If given a good ball, he is decisive. For me, he will eventually win a Ballon d’Or. It’s obvious.”
Benzema: “He’s a player with a unique quality in the world. You feel like you don’t see him, then he takes the ball, eliminates two or three players, and makes an assist or scores a goal. He deserved his Ballon d’Or in 2022.”
Mourinho, Ancelotti, and Maradona: “Some teach tactics while others, like Maradona, play more on your motivation. I enjoyed working at Real with Mourinho and his treble with Inter. When Ancelotti arrived, I had never played in midfield, and he found me that role in the team.”
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