After 15 years of international football play, Argentina striker Angel Di Maria, 35, announced on Thursday that he will be retiring from the game after the Copa America next year.
Since making his debut in 2008, Di Maria has played in four World Cups and scored in Argentina’s 2022 final victory against France. He has made 136 appearances for the world champions.
He will compete in his sixth Copa America at the United States’ June 20–July 14 event, when Argentina will attempt to successfully defend their continental championship.
Di Maria posted on Instagram, “The Copa America will be the last time I wear the Argentina shirt.”
“I bid farewell to the most wonderful thing that has occurred to me in my career with all the anguish in my spirit and a lump in my throat.
He went on, speaking about his most recent World Cup qualifying games, in which Argentina defeated Brazil, saying, “I can’t express in words how much the cheering of the fans has filled my soul in this last match, I enjoyed every second of with my team mates and friends,”
This year, Di Maria returned to Portuguese champions Benfica, the team he had played for when he initially came to Europe in 2007.
The winger has also represented Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Paris St. Germain.