Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria has insisted he will fight for his place in the side, despite the high profile arrivals of Isco and Gareth Bale at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The tricky Argentinean midfielder was preferred to Bale in the Champions League win over Galatasaray on Tuesday night. As the Welshman started on the bench, Madrid ran riot, eventually winning 6-1, with a hat trick by Cristiano Ronaldo, two goals from Karim Benzema and another Isco goal.
Speaking after the impressive victory, di Maria said he would not give up his place in the side easily. He was a regular started under previous boss Jose Mourinho and wants to ensure the same occurs under Carlo Ancelotti.
He stated: “I stayed here in Madrid because I want to keep winning. When the coach tells me to play I will, and I will sit on the bench if he wants that. But I want to earn the starting spot because up until now I was playing regularly.”
Di Maria moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009 in a 35 million euro deal from Benfica. He has made 142 appearances for the club, and despite being linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, has a contract that runs until 2018.
GOOD!