24th August, 2014
Argentine midfielder Angel di Maria’s expected move to Manchester United should be completed in the coming days, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Sunday.
Di Maria had previously expressed his desire to leave the European champions before the end of the transfer window and the 26-year old is on the verge of a 60-million-euro move to United, according to reports in Spain and England over the weekend.
“Di Maria hasn’t trained, it is not official but the transfer is very close,” Ancelotti said ahead of his side’s La Liga opener against Cordoba on Monday.
“I thank him for what he has given this club. Personally I had a fantastic relationship with him and he did great work for this club.
“It was his decision. The club has done everything possible to make him stay. I wish him luck.”
Di Maria was the man-of-the-match as Real claimed their 10th European Cup with a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid back in May to cap a fine season.
However, he is believed to have wanted a vastly improved contract from Real and became frustrated with the arrivals of World Cup stars James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos in recent months.
Ancelotti insisted, though, that Sami Khedira will not be leaving over the next week despite having under 12 months left on his contract.
“He is happy and he will stay. He is very important for the team.”