Di Maria urged to play on in Europe despite expiring PSG contract

Angel Di Maria should continue playing in Europe for another one or two seasons despite his uncertain future with Paris Saint-Germain.

That is the view of Di Maria’s father Miguel as the winger reviews his career options.

Di Maria is expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player has only started four times in Ligue 1 since the start of 2022 and his importance to the team appears to be diminishing.

Di Maria has three goals and three assists from 20 league appearances this season, but his father Miguel believes he still has more to do in Europe and should remain there with the World Cup approaching.

“I would like him to play one or two more years in Europe and then come back [to Argentina],” Miguel said to Radio La Red. 

“He is just 34 years old and he still has a career [at the highest level]. 

“He takes great care of himself, so he has to continue playing [in Europe].” 

#Eliminatorias

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Di Maria has had a successful seven seasons with PSG since arriving from Old Trafford in 2015 after a disappointing campaign in the Premier League.

He is closing in on a fifth Ligue 1 title with Mauricio Pochettino’s men, but is now deciding on his next move as he nears the end of the one-year contract extension he signed in 2021.

Di Maria has also been pondering his future at international level.

The veteran said after scoring once and creating another goal in the 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela at La Bombonera on Friday that he had likely played for Argentina on home soil for the last time.

He thanked supporters and confirmed he would consider retiring from Argentina duty after the World Cup in Qatar at the end of this year.

“We talked later [that night] – I was very happy and he was very proud,” added Miguel.

“It’s on his mind and it all depends on him.

“I wish he could continue but from what he said that was his last game in Argentina and then it’s Qatar and it’s over, he’s not going to play for Argentina anymore.” 

Miguel added that when the time comes to return home, Di Maria still plans to do so with boyhood club Rosario Central.

“His idea is to come to Central for what remains in his career and finish the race – that’s it for now,” he said.

“He has already said retiring with Central [is his goal]. Hopefully he can achieve it. That is what he is lacking so far because he left here very young and could not enjoy anything.”