Di Maria was too ugly to play for Real Madrid, claims ex-Barcelona coach

Di Maria was sold by Real Madrid despite having a great season for the Los Blancos

Former Barcelona coach Carles Rexach has claimed Real Madrid sold Angel Di Maria because he was 'too ugly' to play for them. The Argentine was transferred to Manchester United from Real for £59.7 million in the summer, after playing a pivotal role in Carlo Ancelotti’s Champions League winning side last year.

He believes the real reason behind the Di Maria’s departure was because he didn't fit in with the Galacticos’ pretty boy image.

Rexach, a former Barcelona player who coached the club in 2001, said that Madrid president Florentino Perez is trying to sell an ‘international brand’ which includes having good looking players in the squad. Di Maria was effectively replaced by Columbian James Rodriguez, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu after a successful World Cup last year.

Rexach told a Spanish media outlet, “Florentino Perez looks at the world market and wants a team of Galacticos for everyone to admire. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Ronaldo is the flagship of the club. Perez is selling an international brand. Vicente del Bosque and Di Maria are too ugly for Real Madrid. They are different from Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.”

Rexach, who has been recently tipped for a role of a director in a shake-up taking place at the Camp Nou, is no stranger when it comes to making bizarre claims. He has previously offered his analysis on Lionel Messi’s underwhelming form for Barca last season saying, ‘Messi ate more pizza than he should have’.

Di Maria has found it tough to settle in England especially after his family were forced to move out of their Cheshire home, where they were victims of an attempted robbery in January.

The Argentine winger started off well for the Red Devils but has fizzled out since and was substituted at half-time during United's 2-0 win against Sunderland on Saturday.