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The much awaited transfer move of Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria to Premier League club Manchester United has been confirmed by United’s official club website.
The £59.7million transfer fee has eclipsed the £50million Chelsea had paid Liverpool for Fernando Torres as the highest ever transfer fee paid for a player in 2011 after signing a five-year contract with the Red Devils.
Angel Di Maria’s statement
"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.
"Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s statement
“Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.”
"He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team."
The 26-year-old midfielder was the top assistant in La Liga last season, and even found the net on four occasions.
During his three-season long career at Benfica, Di Maria was involved in the club’s 32nd Primeira Liga winning campaign. He was the top assistant that season with 11 assists in the league, and was also chosen as the SJPF Player of the Month in April. Besides the league win that season, Benfica were also successful in retaining the Taça da Liga or the Portuguese League Cup for the second year in a row. He was also voted the best player in the Portuguese league.
His tenure at Real Madrid saw him win the La Liga once, in 2012 under then-boss Jose Mourinho. He was one of the most pivotal members of the Real Madrid squad that had triumphed in Lisbon, bringing home their much awaited La Decima. He was awarded the Man of the Match award in the final against Atletico Madrid. Apart from that, he has won the Copa del Rey twice, a UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
