No Argentines in squad for first time in 8 years - Don't cry for Real, Argentina

Ángel di María's departure to Manchester United has left the Real Madrid dressing room devoid of Argentinian players for the first time since 2006 and just the second time in the last two decades.

Just four years ago, there was a four-strong Argentine contingent at the club in the shape of Ángel di María, Fernando Gago, Ezequiel Garay and Gonzalo Higuaín. Now there is no tangoing whatsoever at the Bernabéu.

Ever since the brothers Sotero and José Eulogio Aranguren pulled on the white shirt over 100 years ago (namely, in 1911), Real have benefited from Argentinian football's trademark grit and skill. These qualities have also become part and parcel of the club's DNA: no player is more synonymous with 'Los Blancos' than the late, great Alfredo di Stéfano.

Di María was the last in a line of 29 Argentines to wear the Real Madrid colours. Some, such as Di Stéfano and Jorge Valdano, later came back to manage the team, following in the footsteps of Luis Carniglia, who never played for 'Los Blancos' but coached them from 1957 to 1959 and guided the club to two of their five consecutive European Cup successes.

Valdano also went on to serve as the club's sporting director and CEO. His sacking three years ago, coupled with honorary president Di Stéfano's death earlier this year, means that there is no 'Albiceleste' presence at boardroom level either.

One stat aptly sums up the Argentinian influence at the Bernabéu. Nine of the club's ten Champions League/European Cup trophies were won with a team including at least one Argentine, with number six (clinched with an all-Spanish side) the only exception.