Angel Di Maria has confirmed he's leaving Benfica at the end of this season. The Argentine star made the emotional announcement after Benfica's 1-1 draw with Braga on Saturday. That result cost them the Liga Portugal title, finishing just two points behind rivals Sporting.
"It hurts a lot to end this way after such a long year. It was my last championship match with this shirt and I'm proud to have been able to wear it again," Di Maria shared on Instagram. The 37-year-old's farewell marks the end of his second spell at the Portuguese giants.
Di Maria's career has been nothing short of spectacular. He's worn the shirts of Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG, and Juventus between his Benfica stints. The World Cup winner retired from international duty last year after 145 appearances for Argentina.
One Final Shot at Glory
There's still unfinished business for Di Maria at Benfica. He'll have one last chance to lift silverware in the Portuguese Cup final against none other than Sporting on May 25. Talk about a dramatic finale!
"There's still a final on Sunday and we're going to go there with all our desire and joy to win it. Together as always," Di Maria promised Benfica supporters. This cup final now takes on extra significance as his farewell match in domestic Portuguese football.
For betting enthusiasts, this adds an interesting emotional dimension to the Portuguese Cup final. Will Di Maria's farewell provide extra motivation for Benfica? Or will Sporting's league momentum carry through to complete a domestic double?
Club World Cup Question Mark
One mystery remains in Di Maria's Benfica exit plan. The club begins their Club World Cup campaign on June 16, but the star hasn't confirmed if he'll participate. His contract reportedly runs until June 30, making him eligible to play.
This uncertainty creates an interesting scenario for Benfica's Club World Cup prospects. Di Maria's experience and quality would be valuable in the global tournament, but his focus might be on securing that final trophy in the Portuguese Cup.
For Benfica fans, this departure marks the end of an era. Di Maria's technical brilliance and big-game performances have made him a fan favorite during both spells at the club. His exit creates a significant gap that the club will need to address in the summer transfer window.
As one door closes for Benfica with Di Maria's departure, speculation will now turn to where the Argentine might continue his career—or whether he might hang up his boots altogether after this final chapter with the Portuguese side.
