Paris Saint-Germain attacker Angel di Maria has confirmed that he was close to joining Barcelona last summer, in an interview conducted with TyC Sports.
The player had been linked with a return back to La Liga, however, after his failed move, his focus remains very much on being successful with both PSG and Argentina.
Di Maria also commented on his future ambitions, claiming that he would be interested in a return back to Argentina.
“Close to joining Barcelona”
Di Maria has admitted that he was close to joining his fellow countryman Lionel Messi at the Nou camp last summer.
However, following his failed move away from Paris, he has been pleased with his level of performances at the start of 2018.
Di Maria said:
“I was really close to joining Barcelona but in the end, it wasn’t to be.
I started 2018 on a good foot, though, and I am really happy.
I like assisting goals more than scoring them.”
The Argentine also commented on his future plans:
“My dream was to come to Europe and now it’s my dream to return to Rosario Central.”
Successful season
The 29-year-old has proven to be a vital asset for the French league leaders this season, despite the arrival of both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar over the summer.
Di Maria has managed an impressive combined total of 27 goals and assists in 28 appearances in all competitions for the European giants.
This will be a huge boost for Argentina ahead of the World Cup with the player starting to return to heights he hit at Real Madrid.
Ahead of this year’s World Cup in Russia, Di Maria said:
“We’ve reached three finals and due to bad luck we’ve not won them, it’s not to do with a lack of balls.
Against Germany, we were the better side but we didn’t get the rub of the green.
Argentina or on a level with German and Spain in terms of names and for what they have to play for.”