Di Maria seals Real Madrid switch

Caption competition
Caption competition
View past winners of our Sports caption competition
News in pictures
News in pictures
On Facebook
Sport blogs

iBet: AC Milan’s lead at the top looks temporary

Juventus lost the lead of Serie A in Italy at the weekend by virtue of their game with Bologne being...

Financial strife fails to dim smiles at high-flying Rayo Vallecano

This is a club that, despite all it's off-the-field financial problems, is currently flourishing in ...

Hertha Berlin and the Skibbe saga – a depressing tale

Perhaps, in a few decades time, some German writer will transform Michael Skibbe's excruciatingly br...

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 25million euros, 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.

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
Career Services

Day In a Page

No secularism please, we're British

No secularism please, we're British

Arguments about the role of religion in national life have recently acquired a new urgency
Harold Tillman: 'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'

Harold Tillman interview

'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'
Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Meet the former soldier who has joined the political prisoners he tortured in Turkey's Mamak prison by suing the generals who led a regime of terror
The local high street jet shop

The local high street jet shop

Got a spare $50m and can't stand the queues at Heathrow? Get yourself down to London's first private plane dealership
Do you like your doctor? It could be the death of you

Do you like your doctor?

It could be the death of you...
The mysterious affair of how Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

How Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

Twenty of the author's novels have been adapted and presented with learning notes and a CD
Six Grammys, five years off: Adele puts love before career

Six Grammys, five years off

Adele puts love before career
The 10 Best binoculars

The 10 Best binoculars

From no-frills to bins with digital cameras
Milan for £300

Milan for £300?

A cultural family holiday - on a budget - to Italy's most stylish city
'Black-hole' resorts: Turn up, tune out, log off

'Black-hole' resorts

Turn up, tune out, log off
New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

Remodelled since winning in Milan in 2008, for all their consistency – and prize-money – Wenger's side are yet to claim a European title
James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

City would be putting their desire to win title ahead of morals if Tevez plays for them
Mark Cavendish: Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?

Mark Cavendish interview

Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?
Apple admits it has a human rights problem

Apple admits it has a human rights problem

After years of complaints and workers' suicides in China the technology giant faces up to the human cost of its gadgets
Peter Moore: 'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'

Peter Moore interview

'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'