Angel Di Maria talks about relationship with Louis van Gaal and why he left Manchester United for PSG

Angel Di Maria joined PSG this summer after blaming Louis van Gaal for his Manchester United failure

PSG winger Angel Di Maria revealed the real reasons why he left Manchester United this summer and manager Louis van Gaal was one of the primary reasons, according to an interview with Le Parisien. The Argentine international had made the switch from the Premier League to Ligue 1 when the French champions signed him for a reported fee of £44 million.

The 2014 Champions League winner had been sold to Manchester United for a record fee of £59.7m last summer. But after impressing in the early stages of the 2014/15 season, Di Maria faded at the turn of the year and eventually lost his place in the starting XI altogether.

Trouble with injuries, a red card in the FA Cup game against Arsenal at Old Trafford and a break-in to his house were all factors that saw a drop in form. But the manager’s attitude towards the winger was the final straw as Di Maria looked to get away from England.

My family was suffering in Manchester: Di Maria

In the interview, Di Maria spoke about how his relationship with Van Gaal deteriorated: “I didn’t get on very well with the coach, so I think the decision to join Paris was the best solution.

He also spoke about how the burglary affected his family, especially his daughter. “After [the break-in] it wasn’t reasonable to stay. My family wasn’t happy. My daughter was suffering. So it was important to leave.

“Honestly, we were not happy. At the beginning, we were a little. But then things became complicated. Life in England was a bit difficult. It is not easy for a South American. Some people get on fine, and for others it is harder to adapt,” Di Maria explained.

“From the little I have seen, our life here in France resembles more the life we led in Spain or Portugal. And at the moment we are 100% satisfied.”

Angel Di Maria did not have a good relationship with Louis van Gaal towards the end of the season

It was tough watching Champions League and not playing in it: Di Maria

Di Maria was also asked about his feelings of playing in the Champions League again and he explained how it was tough for him, especially after he became champions with Real Madrid in 2014. He was also the Man of the match in the final.

“Last season was tough for me. I have not played much and watching the Champions League on TV, where I was champion with Madrid, it was complicated. I think I will have the same emotions as on Tuesday each time, ever since my first (Champions League) match with Benfica.

“It is a beautiful competition; everyone looks forward to the draw. Then all teams hope to start well and then there's the music before the game.”