Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria has revealed the reason why he did not leave the club this summer. The 30-year-old winger joined the French capital outfit in 2015 after a disappointing one-year stint with Manchester United in the English Premier League.
Despite putting up a series of impressive performances under Unai Emery, the player was demoted to the bench following the marquee signing of Neymar Jr. in the summer of 2017. Nonetheless, amid reports which suggested that he may be heading out of the team as a result, Di Maria has fought his way up to cement his place as an integral member of PSG.
On Wednesday, the current Ligue 1 leaders confirmed that the ex-Manchester United forward had signed a new two-year contract extension. Speaking to the club after penning the deal, Di Maria highlighted that Thomas Tuchel's arrival at PSG gave he much self-assurance. He further indicated that he never considered exiting the French club as numerous speculations suggested.
"His arrival has given me a lot of confidence, to know that he is counting on me," the Argentine stated.
"There was a lot of talk about a potential move for me last season, but neither the club, nor me, or my agent ever spoke about it. I never considered it.
"I have always been focused on my role here. I finished last season very well and I showed that I was committed to this project.
"I have done everything to ensure it continues this season with the new coach. It's a new chapter for Paris Saint-Germain and we have to continue moving forward."
Di Maria then emphasized on the need for his club to fight hard coming up against Lille with an 11-game winning streak at stake in Ligue 1.
"We have had an excellent start to the season. The coach has settled very quickly and his message is getting across.
"We have worked very hard for each and every win so far. A lot of people say that Paris Saint-Germain is too strong for Ligue 1 but I don't agree at all.
"We fight very hard in every match to open the scoring. That first goal creates space and that's when we are dangerous.
"We work hard to reach our objective in each and every match. We have to keep going, with every player giving 100%, that's how we have won 11 matches in a row.
"On Friday we have the chance to make it 12. It will be a tough game against a Lille side sitting second on the ladder and who haven't conceded many goals. It will be tough, but we will do our best to make a little more history with another win."
