Di Maria hails Mourinho influence

Angel Di Maria has lauded the influence of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, while also setting his sights on this season’s Champions League.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful season with Real in their last campaign, as, under the guidance of Mourinho, they wrestled back the La Liga title from fierce rivals Barcelona.

“With the coach I’ve grown in every way. I’m better tactically and I have more faith in the things I do,” Di Maria told Marca.

“The trust he has shown in me since the first day is spectacular and I only have words of gratitude for him.

“There is no doubt that Mourinho is a coach very special to me. With him I have improved each year and it pains me that because of injuries last season I could not give more. “

Di Maria believes Mourinho drives Real’s continual improvement and said it helped their ambitions of winning more trophies this season.

“(With Mourinho) the team can win many more titles. Each year we spend together we continue to improve and hopefully this year we can take another step forward. This team has no limits, but to achieve the objectives we have to work hard,” he said.

“As a team our primary target is to win the Champions League – that is what we all want and have on our minds.

“Personally, I dream of being one of the top 10 players in the world and we will see what happens with the Ballon d’Or.”

On the initial hostile reception he received from the fans, he said: “It was difficult to win people over at the Bernabeu at first, but every match I conquered them slowly.

“Now I am very happy. The love I receive from people every time I step out onto the pitch is spectacular and I hope it stays that way.”

Real Madrid start their La Liga campaign at home to Valencia on Sunday.