Manchester United transfer news: Angel Di Maria reveals his intention to return to Argentina to join Rosario Central

Di Maria joined United last summer for a British record £59.1m transfer but has admitted he wants to one day return to the club where he made a name for himself

Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria (Getty Images)

Angel Di Maria has revealed he intends to move back to Argentina to re-join his former club Rosario Central when he decides to leave Manchester United.

Di Maria arrived at Old Trafford in a £59.1m transfer last summer, and although he settled quickly to show glimpses of brilliance, he has since endured a difficult time of it as United’s form has dipped. Questions have arisen over how suited he is to playing in the same team as Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, given that individually they are all players of exceptional ability.

Speaking in an interview with FifaTV, Di Maria explained that he will seek a move back to the club where he learnt his trade once he decides the time is right to leave United, although the 26-year-old still have over four years left to run on his five-year contract.

“I think the next step would be to go back to Rosario Central, another giant!” said Di Maria.

“Let me explain: it's true, I have played for big European clubs already. I've played two World Cups, I've won the Champions League.

Di Maria has revealed he would like to return to Argentina when he leaves United (Getty Images)

“I started at Benfica, not as big but one of the biggest clubs in Portugal. I've played for Real Madrid. Then I moved to Manchester United, from a giant to another giant.

“I think after this, it'll be time to go back home. I hope so.”

Di Maria has scored four goals for United since completing his transfer from Real Madrid in the summer, but while that move broke the British transfer record, his first change of clubs came at the cost of 35 new footballs – no, not the equivalent price, but actual footballs.

“They drove a hard bargain to release me,” Di Maria said of his Torito exit when he was just four years old in an interview last year. !The transfer fee was 35 footballs.

“That probably puts into perspective where I was and how much it took to get me. Mind you I was very young, about four, so I'm not sure it really counts.”