Angel Di Maria Responds To Florentino Perez Claims And Speculates On Ronaldo Exit

The war of words between Angel Di Maria and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has continued through the media after the Argentina international responded to comments made by his former boss on Spanish radio.

On Friday, Perez stated that the La Liga giants had offered Di Maria an improved contract prior to the World Cup, but the player refused the new offer.

The Madrid president claimed that the Argentinian winger demanded wages which would have made him the highest paid player next to Cristiano Ronaldo, which was something that “would have created an unbalanced treatment that would have put the club’s stability in danger.”

Speaking to Radio America, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder responded to Perez claims: “I saw the declarations. To earn what Cristiano [Ronaldo] earns, you need to have won the Ballon d’Or.”

“I never said that I wanted to leave Real Madrid, I never wanted to.”

“During the World Cup finals, the only thing on my mind was playing with Argentina. I don’t know where the Spanish press got their information but whatever they want to print, £59.7 million will come in handy for Madrid’s economy; they will recover much of what they spent.”

When asked if he would have remained in Spain, Di Maria responded: “I wasn’t told anything and nor was my agent which makes us think that Madrid wanted to sell me.”

The player’s agent confirmed that he received no offer from Perez prior to the World Cup and the player made no new contract demands to Real Madrid officials.

Di Maria also spoke about the support he received from his teammates at Madrid, specifically Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He [Ronaldo] was always by my side. I don’t know how long he will stick it out at Madrid.”

Just a few days ago, Ronaldo dropped a hint that he was considering a return to Manchester United before the end of his career.

Those comments followed statements made by the reigning Ballon d’Or winner regarding the Real Madrid’s transfer policy. Ronaldo was upset about the departures of Di Maria and Xabi Alonso; and said if he were in charge, perhaps he would do things differently.

Florentino Perez put to rest any rumors of a disagreement between he and Ronaldo, and the Portuguese forward took to his official Twitter account today to voice his support for the club and its president.

“My comments were misunderstood. I heard what the president had to say yesterday and I’m with him 100%. The new teammates are the best! And with them we have completed a great squad. Hala Madrid!” said Ronaldo.

Continuing with Di Maria’s Radio America interview, the Argentinian went on to thank his former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti:

“He stood up for me when everyone else was crucifying me and I am very thankful to him for that. He fielded me in a different position when they signed Bale, I’ve got nothing against him, we have a good relationship.”

Di Maria also revealed that he received a letter from Real Madrid ordering him not to play in the World Cup final.

“A letter arrived at 11am. I was undergoing treatment to try and get fit to play the final, although I knew that I had a 90 percent chance of suffering an injury. I tore that letter up. I didn’t speak to anyone at the club about it, I didn’t care. It was Sabella [Argentina’s national team coach] who had the last word and made the right decision.”