Zinedine Zidane believes that Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria is exactly the kind of player that PSG need, if they are to challenge for the Champions League.
Di Maria is reportedly close to agreeing a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for A?47 million, only a year after signing for Manchester United for a British record fee of A?59.7 million. The 27-year-old has struggled with the physicality of the English league and would significantly bolster the French champions in their pursuit of the Champions League glory. PSG were extremely interested in signing the former Real Madrid man last year, however, due to Financial Fair Play restrictions they had to back out.
He’s the kind of player they need to go further in Champions League – Zinedine Zidane
The Qatari backed French club have bowed out in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, in each of their last three seasons. The club are hoping that the signing of Di Maria would help them navigate past this hurdle and move closer to their ultimate aim.
World Cup winner Zidane, in a interview with RMC Sport ( . As translated by ESPN FC) said:
“He’s the kind of player that can take you to the next stage. That’s what they need to go further in the Champions League,
“Angel Di Maria can contribute his energy, the difference he makes when he accelerates, he has the quality to do something. I think that it will happen in the coming days.”
Di Maria hoping to reignite his club career
Di Maria signed for the English giants last year, however, the Argentine has struggled with form and fitness since. The former Real Madrid man has failed to adapt to the Premier League and his agent Jorge Mendes is in talks with PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi regarding the contract of the player.
Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal dropped Di Maria towards the end of last season due to poor form. The Argentine’s flamboyant style of play is unsuitable for the English league but would reap huge dividends in a less physical French league. Di Maria has tormented defenders from around the world with his speed and direct running in the past, however, he never could get into his stride at Manchester United.
The 27-year-old is looking to join PSG in a hope to reignite his club career, which has nose-dived in the last 12 months.
