Angel Di Maria is closing in on a return to Benfica 13 years after leaving the club as Juventus confirm his departure after just one season in Serie A
Angel Di Maria is set to make a sensational return to Benfica 13 years after leaving the club after deciding to leave Juventus after one season in Serie A.
The 35-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Turin side last summer, after a seven-year spell at PSG, and has enjoyed a productive individual campaign in what has been a chaotic year for the club.
In particular, Di Maria played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup victory midway through last season, scoring the second goal in the side’s 4-2 penalty shoot-out final victory over France.
Juventus, who finished seventh in Serie A last season after being deducted 10 points for financial irregularities, thanked the winger on Thursday in a statement announcing his departure.
“After one season in black and white, Angel Di Maria and Juventus have split up” read the club statement.
Juventus have announced the departure of Angel Di Maria after one season at the club
Di Maria played a vital role in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar
The winger made a name for himself in Europe at Benfica after coming over from Rosario Central
“One of the most notable highlights in Bianconero was his debut goal against Sassuolo: a well-taken volley that thrilled the fans at Allianz Stadium.
“Thanks for everything, and all the best for the future, Fideo!”
Di Maria is now on the verge of returning to Benfica, which he left in 2010 to join Real Madrid.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the negotiations between the Portuguese team and Di Maria have reached the ‘final stage’ and a deal is almost finalized.
Di Maria rose to prominence during his three-year spell at Benfica following his move from Argentina’s Rosario Central in 2007.
At Lisbon, he won a league title and two cups before returning to the city, following a £21 million move to Real Madrid, to win the 2014 Champions League.
Di Maria will join a team led by Roger Schmidt, who had a fantastic season last season. The Eagles recaptured their Portuguese title for the first time in four seasons, topping a tricky Champions League group with PSG and Juventus.