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. Nonetheless, the Benfica star not too long ago made a candid admission concerning the lingering results of these losses, revealing, “I’m nonetheless taking capsules.”
After struggling defeats within the 2014 World Cup remaining and the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016, Di Maria was typically criticized for not replicating his European success with the nationwide group. In an interview with Argentine outlet Infobae, the winger opened up concerning the emotional toll these losses took, stating:
“Due to that, I’m nonetheless taking capsules. I used to be in a position to decrease the dose, I’m significantly better, but it surely’s additionally a bit addictive. It occurred rather a lot to (Carlos) Bilardo (Argentina’s legendary coach), many individuals mentioned that, however effectively, I’m significantly 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 when you win, and that’s it… I’ve mentioned it many instances after we turned world champions, after we received the Copa America, I all the time mentioned these trophies had been additionally for the earlier technology.
“Generally you want that little little bit of luck for every part to vary. I’ll all the time bear in mind these generations as a result of they taught me rather a lot, and this technology that helped me obtain what I had all the time desired. I additionally discovered rather a lot 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 resolution to retire from worldwide obligation, whatever the end result. At Benfica, the winger continues to carry out at a excessive degree, 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 mentioned, I’m turning 37 now, and like Leo mentioned, it’s about taking it recreation by recreation. It’s about seeing how you’re 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 resolution to retire from the nationwide group, noting that it felt like the correct time. “I left the best way I needed 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 sphere, and I requested him, ‘What higher means might I depart?‘ He spoke in my ear and mentioned, ‘Keep right here.’ And I informed him, ‘No, it’s time, I’m completed.’”
