July 15, 2024 – The picture of Angel Di Maria's teary eyes is surely in the mind of football lovers. He announced his retirement from international football after the Copa America final at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on the same day. However, he misses the football field a lot even if he does not wear the azure-blue jersey of Argentina.
Di Maria played in Argentina jersey for 16 years. However, his journey in the world of football began earlier. Someone who has been on the football field for almost 2 decades, naturally knows the pulse of the game. Argentina's World Cup-winning forward has expressed his desire to become a coach. In a video broadcast on Clank Media's official X handle yesterday midnight, Di Maria said, 'I am taking a course to become a coach. I am doing it experimentally. From the age of 30 I see and analyze football differently. I see it not only from the players' point of view, but also as a coach.'
Di Maria knows that coaching is more difficult than playing. Argentina's World Cup-winning forward said, 'I know that coaching is a very difficult job. Because it takes a lot of time. As a player you go, practice and go home. As a coach you have to watch videos regularly, keep track and put in a lot of time.'
Di Maria did not reveal which team he will coach. So he left everything to the future. The 36-year-old Argentine forward said, 'When I retire, I want to enjoy time with my family. It may happen later.' Two Copa Americas in 2021 and 2024, 2022 Football World Cup, 2022 Finalsima—Di Maria has won these four major titles in Argentina's jersey. He scored 31 goals in 145 matches in Argentina jersey. Assisted in 32 goals.
Despite his retirement from international football, Di Maria was seen in Argentina matches in September this year. However, he did not play in that World Cup qualifier against Chile. However, the honor that has been given to him, even if he wants to, he can never forget it. As he entered the Monumental Stadium, he was honored by the audience in the gallery. 'Guard of Honour' was given to him. Argentina even celebrated by throwing the star into the air. A long-time friend Lionel Messi wrote an emotional letter about him. Because Messi could not play in that match due to injury.
