Angel Di Maria is ‘closing in on a return to Benfica’ 13 years after leaving the club, as Juventus confirm his exit after just one season in Serie A
- Angel Di Maria spent three years in Lisbon with Benfica after leaving Argentina
- The 35-year-old had a memorable campaign in 2022-23, winning the World Cup
- He has had successful spells with Real Madrid, PSG and Juventus while away
Angel Di Maria is set for a sensational return to Benfica, 13 years after departing the club, after deciding to leave Juventus following a single season in Serie A.
The 35-year-old penned a one-year deal with the Turin outfit last summer, after a seven-year stay with PSG, and enjoyed a productive individual campaign in what was a topsy-turvy year for the club.
Di Maria most notably played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win midway through last season, scoring the second goal in the side’s 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph in the final over France.
Juventus, who finished seventh in Serie A last season after being handed a 10-point deduction for financial irregularities, thanked the winger in a statement on Thursday which announced his departure.
‘Following one season in black and white, Angel Di Maria and Juventus have parted ways,’ the club statement read.
Juventus have announced the departure of Angel Di Maria after one season with the club
Di Maria played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar
The winger made a name for himself in Europe with Benfica after signing from Rosario Central
‘Among the most notable highlights in Bianconero was his goal on debut against Sassuolo: a well-taken volley that sent the fans at the Allianz Stadium into raptures.
‘Thank you for everything, and all the best for the future, Fideo!’
Di Maria is now on the verge of a return to Benfica, who he left in 2010 to join Real Madrid.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the Portuguese outfit and Di Maria have reached the ‘final stages’, with a deal close to being completed.
Di Maria rose to prominence during his three-year spell with Benfica following his move from Argentinian side Rosario Central in 2007.
In Lisbon, he won a league title and two league cups before he would return to the city, after making a £21m switch to Real Madrid, to win the Champions League in 2014.
Di Maria will join a Roger Schmidt-led team, who enjoyed a superb season last term. The Eagles regained their Portuguese title for the first time in four seasons and topped a difficult Champions League group that included PSG and Juventus.
