Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
Alongside Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria has been one of many few gamers to redeem himself with Argentina after a number of heartbreaking defeats in main finals. Nevertheless, the Benfica star not too long ago made a candid admission in regards to the lingering results of these losses, revealing, “I’m nonetheless taking tablets.”
After struggling defeats within the 2014 World Cup ultimate and the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016, Di Maria was usually criticized for not replicating his European success with the nationwide group. In an interview with Argentine outlet Infobae, the winger opened up in regards to the emotional toll these losses took, stating:
“Due to that, I’m nonetheless taking tablets. I used to be capable of decrease the dose, I’m a lot better, but it surely’s additionally a bit addictive. It occurred lots to (Carlos) Bilardo (Argentina’s legendary coach), many individuals stated that, however nicely, I’m a lot better in that sense. These are issues that stick with you, that mark you,” he informed journalist Joaquin Alvarez.
Di Maria additionally mentioned how little recognition is given to groups that attain finals however don’t win, lamenting that few bear in mind the groups that fall brief: “Who talks about these guys? Nobody. Nobody remembers these issues. They solely bear in mind in the event you win, and that’s it… I’ve stated it many instances after we grew to become world champions, after we received the Copa America, I all the time stated these trophies have been additionally for the earlier technology.
“Typically you want that little little bit of luck for every thing to vary. I’ll all the time bear in mind these generations as a result of they taught me lots, and this technology that helped me obtain what I had all the time desired. I additionally discovered lots from them,” Di Maria mirrored.
see additionally
Messi vs Ronaldo: Di Maria settles debate and fires again at Cristiano’s GOAT declare – ‘Actuality is in numbers’
Regardless of the struggles, Di Maria has cemented his place in Argentina’s footballing historical past. His targets in three of the final 4 finals received have helped reshape his picture, now standing as one of many nation’s most iconic and influential gamers.
No ‘final dance’ for Di Maria at Argentina?
Forward of the 2024 Copa America, Di Maria introduced his determination to retire from worldwide obligation, whatever the consequence. At Benfica, the winger continues to carry out at a excessive stage, with 14 targets and eight assists in 32 video games this season.
When requested about his potential participation within the subsequent World Cup, Di Maria tempered expectations, admitting: “Truly, I don’t know. As we simply stated, I’m turning 37 now, and like Leo stated, it’s about taking it recreation by recreation. It’s about seeing how you are feeling, how your physique reacts. I’ve had two relapses of a muscle pressure that saved me out for 4 or 5 days, and now I’m again once more, however my physique is struggling.
He additionally mirrored on his determination to retire from the nationwide group, noting that it felt like the suitable time. “I left the way in which I wished to, not realizing whether or not we might win the Copa America or not, however that was the very last thing, and it occurred identical to that. I informed (Lionel) Scaloni on the sector, and I requested him, ‘What higher manner may I depart?‘ He spoke in my ear and stated, ‘Keep right here.’ And I informed him, ‘No, it’s time, I’m completed.’”
