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WELCOME TO THE THEATRE OF DREAMS . . . Angel di Maria (left) is unveiled by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after the winger completed his £60 million move to Manchester United on Tuesday, signing a five-year deal with the Old Trafford club.

MANCHESTER. — Angel Di Maria has revealed he was forced out of Real Madrid and did not agitate for a move to Manchester United.
The Argentine winger only completed his British record £60 million move to Old Trafford on Tuesday night, prior to United’s 4-0 humbling at MK Dons, but issued a letter to Madrid fans yesterday documenting the circumstances in which he left the European champions.
“Unfortunately today I have to go, but I want to make clear that this was never my desire,” Di Maria said.

“As anyone who works, I’ve always wanted to progress. After winning ‘La Decima’ I went to the World Cup with the hope of receiving a new contract, which never came. Many things and many lies were spoken.

“They always wanted to attribute the initiative to me to leave the club, but did not.
“The only thing I asked for is something that would be fair. There are many things that I value and many of them have nothing to do with my salary. I hope to progress at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, where I wish to make history.

“I’ve been lucky enough to share a dressing room with fantastic players, who have been even better companions.
“I sweated for this shirt in every game as if it was my last. There were times when things went for me and others not, but what I can say is that I always gave everything.”

Manchester United signed di Maria from Real Madrid for a British record transfer fee of £59.7 million, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday. The 26-year-old’s move, on a five-year contract, shatters the previous British record fee of £50m paid by Chelsea to sign Spain striker Fernando Torres from Liverpool in 2011.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Angel Di Maria has completed his transfer for a British record fee of £59.7 million. Angel joins on a five-year contract,” said a club statement.

United manager Louis van Gaal added: “Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.
“He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence,” the Dutchman explained.

“His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team.” — Metro-AFP.