This is an exclusive interview with Argentine star Ángel Di María by Camel Live.
You have always regarded Messi as the number one...
Ronaldo strived and fought tooth and nail to become the number one, but Messi was just drinking mate in the dressing room and later proved that he had the God-given talent to be the best player.
Menotti compared you to Messi and Maradona...
At that time, I was very grateful for César’s words, but I am still far from them, because they belong to another world. It was a very kind compliment, and I didn’t know Menotti personally back then. Later I met him and thanked him face to face, but I knew the truth—I am still a world apart from them.
Maradona was once the head coach of the Argentine national team. What did you learn from him?
A lot of things, but the most important thing I learned from him is to play football as if I were in my own backyard and show my best form. I have always said that the pitch is like my garden, which allows me to stay calm and enjoy the game.
Now Real Madrid has another young Argentine winger. What do you think of Mastantuono? How far can he go?
Some people have compared him to me, but he is more talented and better at dribbling than I was. He is a top-class player. Just like Xavi, he has also faced criticism and doubts due to poor form, but he still has a long career ahead of him.
Now he has regained his form and got more playing time, and he will definitely improve a lot—after all, he is surrounded by top players, so progress is a given.
Did leaving Madrid make you sad?
Yes, because I didn’t want to leave. Some people said I wanted the same salary as Ronaldo, but that was all a lie. How could I ever expect to be on the same level as a player who has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards? I was very happy at that time. I had just won the Champions League, and Ancelotti didn’t want me to leave either. But then James Rodríguez arrived, and I became the one who might have to leave.
Did you leave against your will?
I tried my best to stay until the last day. I planned to keep training. I played in the first leg of the UEFA Super Cup against Atlético Madrid, but they didn’t even call me up for the second leg—because they had already reached an agreement with Manchester United without telling me anything. I had to watch Atlético win the title at home.
My family and I were very happy at Madrid, but sometimes things like this just happen, and it happened to me.
You spent one year at Manchester United and then moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where you played alongside Mbappé. Do you think he is the best player right now?
Yes. Mbappé has been one of the best players in the world for years. Team trophies certainly affect individual honors, but he proves every day that he is one of the greats, and today he is the best. Once he found his playing style, he became the key figure who can change the course of a game.
Spain and Argentina are about to face off in the Finalissima showdown...
They are the two best teams in the world, but I hope Argentina wins. It will be an absolutely fantastic final because their playing styles and football philosophies are very similar. The battle for possession will be fierce, as their approaches to the game are almost identical.
Are there any young players who have impressed you?
Besides Mastantuono, Nico Paz also caught my eye. He has unlimited potential. I watch him play often, and he is extremely talented. He plays brilliantly and shows signs of continuous improvement. I believe he will bring a lot of joy to Argentina.
Will he become a Real Madrid player?
Of course he will. The thing is, Real Madrid has so many outstanding players, and it wouldn’t be good to bring him in just to let him sit on the bench. Staying at Como is very beneficial for his growth; he is full of confidence now and even better than he was last season. I’m really happy for him. He will eventually get the chance to play for a top club.
Will your future be as a coach, working with your good friend Paredes?
Definitely. After I retire, I will focus on getting into coaching and wait for him to hang up his boots—he will play for a few more years than me. I will take a good rest first.
Will Mourinho be your role model?
I will try to be myself, just like I did during my playing career. As a player, I never wanted to be anyone else, and it’s the same as a coach. I don’t want to see someone else’s shadow in myself; I hope my team can unleash the potential that comes naturally to me.
