Di Maria announces he will leave Benfica at end of season

Angel Di Maria confirmed he will leave Benfica at the end of the season, after playing his “last league game” for the club.

Bruno Lage’s side missed out on the Primeira Liga title following a 1-1 draw with Braga on the final day.

Di Maria climbed off the bench to set up Evangelos Pavlidis’ equaliser, but it proved academic for Benfica, who finished two points behind champions Sporting after the latter’s 2-0 victory over Vitoria Guimaraes.

It marked the veteran World Cup winner’s final league appearance for the Lions, who he reed for a second spell in 2023.

Di Maria could still feature in next weekend’s Taca de Portugal final against Sporting, as well as the forthcoming Club World Cup, but will not be renewing his contract with Benfica.

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“It wasn’t the final result we wanted in the league,” he wrote on his social media channels. “We worked hard to achieve [our] goal.

“It’s hard to finish like this after such a long year. It was my last league game in this shirt, and I’m proud to have been able to wear it again.

“We still have a final on Sunday, and we’re going to go in with all our will and joy to win it. Together, as always. Thank you for your …”

Di Maria has made 212 appearances across his two spells with Benfica, who he also played for between 2007 and 2010, scoring 47 goals.

The 37-year-old played 39 times for the club this season, netting 15 times and providing nine assists.