Soccer:Angel Di Maria has completed his move to Real Madrid after passing a medical at the Primera Division giants today.
Madrid announced they had reached an agreement with Benfica to sign Di Maria at the end of last month in a deal reportedly worth €25 million, but they were forced to wait until Di Maria had returned from the World Cup to complete the deal.
And, following Argentina’s exit at the hands of Germany in the quarter-finals, the 22-year-old has now penned a six-year deal at the Bernabeu.
“The player is in perfect condition to make himself available to Jose Mourinho,” said Madrid medical chief Carlos Diez. “He is a very lean and complete player.
“We proceeded, as always, to carry out the medical according to protocol. We performed all kinds of studies including x-rays, a bone density exam, a cardiorespiratory exam and a complete blood analysis.
“The results show that he is in perfect health and readily available for the coach. Every exam came back normal, which is a great sign. He now needs some time to rest having played in the World Cup and at a later date he will join the team for pre-season training.”
Di Maria joined Benfica from Argentinian side Rosario Central in 2007 and helped the Lisbon-based side to a Portuguese league and cup double last season.
He won the World Under-20 Championship with Argentina in 2007 and the following year scored the extra-time winner against Holland in the final of the Olympic Games.
Di Maria will add to the wealth of attacking talent at Madrid, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Argentina team-mate Gonzalo Higuain as the Spanish giants, under the guidance of new boss Mourinho, look to reclaim the title from Barcelona and make an impact in the Champions League.
Barca pipped their rivals to the Primera Division crown by three points last season, while Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Lyon.