Angel di Maria has revealed that he will leave Serie A club Juventus at the end of this month when his contract expires.
The 35-year-old joined the Italian giants on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, signing a one-year contract with the option of a 12-month extension.
However, the Argentine winger’s contract in Turin will not be extended, and he will become a free agent on July 1.
Despite lingering ailments during the season, Di Maria started 26 of his 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.
Midway through the season, the attacker also made five appearances for World Cup winners Argentina, scoring one in a thrilling victory over France in the final.
Juve’s season was hampered by point penalties for alleged financial violations, and they finished seventh in Serie A, failing to qualify for either the Champions League or the Europa League for the following season.
Di Maria has revealed that he departs the Old Lady with a ‘bitter taste’ in his mouth after failing to help Massimiliano Allegri’s team win silverware or finish in the top four.
A statement from the winger on Instagram read:
“This is the end of a difficult and complicated period.”
“I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything I had to help the club continue to win titles, but it wasn’t possible.”
“I leave with the bitter taste of not having achieved it but with the happiness of taking with me many friends from the wonderful dressing room I was part of.”
“Thanks to all my teammates for the affection they gave me from the first day, I always felt at home.”“A big greeting to all the Juventinos for the affection they show me every day. A big hug, I carry you in my heart.”
Di Maria will most likely want to continue his career at a high level in the hopes of being called up to Argentina’s squad for Copa America in 2024.
According to the Mail, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Inter Milan, and former club Benfica have all been linked with a bid for the winger.
Meanwhile, according to Tuttosport via ilBianconero, Juventus have identified Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini as a possible replacement for Di Maria this summer.
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