Di Maria: Leaving Real Madrid for Manchester United a step up for my career

The Argentina international winger has been an instant hit after making a €77 million move from La Liga to the Premier League and hopes to stay "for many years to come"

Angel Di Maria says that leaving Real Madrid for Manchester United this summer has been a boost to his career.

The Argentina international winger had been pushed down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu before the Red Devils swooped in with a British-record €77 million bid.

Di Maria has settled in superbly to Old Trafford, scoring his third Premier League goal in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton, and he is convinced that the transfer was the right decision for him.

Speaking before Sunday’s match, he told MUTV: "Leaving a club like Real and coming to as big a club as Manchester United makes you grow as a player and helps you progress in your career.

"It was a very important moment and I'm really happy here.

"With every day that goes by, I feel much more relaxed and settled here. I've got a house and my family are happy.

"Since the day I arrived, people have shown real warmth towards me – at every corner kick or free kick, or even during open play, every time I have the ball I feel they're right behind me. That always makes you feel even happier.

"Let's hope things go well for me so I can be here for many years to come."