Author: Soorya G
Argentinian soccer star Angel Di Maria has returned to Benfica for a second spell after leaving Juventus as a free agent. The 35-year-old World Cup winner had been linked with a move to a Saudi Arabian club, but surprised many by signing for the Portuguese giants.
Di Maria had already played for Benfica from 2007 to 2010, before moving on to Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
For the Argentina national team, he played a key role in helping them break their 36-year World Cup drought. His contributions included goals in the 2021 Copa America Final and the 2022 Finalissima. He also left a permanent mark on the World Cup with a stunning goal against France, considered one of the team’s best goals in the history of the tournament.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, the player will be looking to make a significant impact at Benfica once again. Di Maria’s wealth of experience and skill on the pitch will be valuable assets to the team and, more than anything, his commitment to the club of his childhood will stand out as a trademark of this wonderful player.
Di María’s performances have earned him praise from Argentinian national team legend Cesar Menotti, who believes the winger should be considered one of the greatest players in the game. Di Maria’s return to Benfica will bring excitement to the club’s fans, who hope he can repeat the success of his previous spell with the team.
“He is the player who deserves the same recognition as the great footballers. I put him on the same level as Kempes, Maradona and Messi. For me, he’s the player who has represented Argentinian soccer like no other wherever he’s played. Wherever you go, Di Maria played there… those who know soccer respect him incredibly, and those who know him love him very much. I was happier for him than for me. For me, he’s an example, a model as good as the best in history that you’d like to compare.“, said Cesar Luis Menotti.