Angel di Maria is determined to repay Jose Mourinho's faith after securing a dream move to Real Madrid.
Argentine winger relishing Real opportunity
Angel di Maria is determined to repay Jose Mourinho's faith after securing a dream move to Real Madrid.
The Argentina international became Real's first summer signing when a deal for his services was struck with Benfica during the World Cup.
The 22-year-old admits he was left in a state of shock upon hearing that Mourinho had swooped for his services, but is now straining at the leash as the new season approaches.
"I am excited to be here and just want it to start," he told
AS.
"I am relaxed and will rest during these days before starting pre-season training.
Special
"I couldn't believe (he wanted to sign me). It's something good for me and also very special at the same time," he said.
"I will always be grateful that he said he wanted me to come to Real Madrid. I will try to give everything on and off the pitch to prove he made the right decision to bring me here."
Di Maria is also relishing the prospect of lining up alongside Real's galaxy of stars this season, with attacking talents such as Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo already on the books at Santiago Bernabeu.
"With the players that are here it will be very special to play with them all," he said.
"I have always watched them on television. It will be very special to play with Cristiano and Kaka.
"I have come from winning a title at Benfica, now I want to win here in Madrid and I will give everything to achieve as much as possible."
Potential
Meanwhile, Real have swooped to land Di Maria's countryman Juan Lescano after the youngster failed to secure a work permit at Liverpool.
The 17-year-old striker has penned a four-year contract in the Spanish capital and admits he cannot wait to join up with his new employers.
"At Liverpool people like (Javier) Mascherano and (Emiliano) Insua helped me a lot, but after the legal problems this is a big opportunity for me," said Lescano.
Real's scouting network has suggested that Lescano could be the 'new Didier Drogba' and they have high hopes for the talented teenager.
