Ángel Di María shared his thoughts on Atlético Madrid and coach Diego Simeone in a recent interview, raising questions about how Argentine players are managed at the Spanish club.
The former Argentina international spoke with Radio La Red after another strong performance for Rosario Central. Di María scored the opening goal in the Rosario derby against Newell’s at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, continuing his good form since returning to Argentine football.
During the interview, Di María was asked about the situation of Argentine players at Atlético Madrid. Without mentioning Simeone directly, he suggested that many players struggle to maintain a consistent role in the team.
“That club is a bit strange,” Di María said. “When things go well, they go well. But suddenly it feels like they turn off the players and they start to disappear. It has happened to many of the guys who were there. Only a few have a long run as starters and never come out of the team.”
Atlético Madrid currently has several Argentine players in the squad, including Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and Julián Álvarez. In recent weeks, there has also been speculation about Álvarez’s relationship with Simeone after some situations that suggested possible tension.
Despite his comments about the club, Di María highlighted the difference when Argentine players join the national team.
“The beautiful thing about the national team is that when these guys put on the Argentina shirt, they become different players,” he said. “They transform, they play incredible football and enjoy being there. That makes me very happy.”
Di María was also asked if he would consider returning to the Argentina national team if Lionel Scaloni called him again. The winger confirmed that he plans to respect the decision he made to step away from international football.
“I would always listen, but maybe they would invite me to drink mate and eat an asado,” Di María joked. “I made a decision and I want to respect it. There are many new young players and a great group now.”
He also praised Scaloni’s work with the national team, highlighting the coach’s efforts to renew the squad.
“I know the coaching staff always wants to bring in new players and have many options before making the final decision,” Di María explained. “The group is already on the right path, and with the World Cup getting closer, I understand what they are building.”
The 2022 World Cup winner also spoke about the difference between Argentine football and European football. According to Di María, the condition of many pitches in Argentina makes it harder to play a fast and technical style.
“Here it is very difficult to play when the field is dry,” he said. “Sometimes you need five touches just to move the ball three meters. In Europe you control the ball, pass it, and when the defender arrives the ball is already gone.”
Finally, Di María reflected on the most memorable finals of his career. He pointed to Real Madrid’s 2014 Champions League final against Atlético Madrid and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final against France as two of the best matches he has played.
However, he added that winning the Copa Libertadores with Rosario Central could become the most special moment of all.
“If I win the Libertadores with Central, it could surpass everything,” Di María said. “Taking the club to a Libertadores final and becoming champion would be something unique for me and for the club.”
