Angel Di Maria revealed on Thursday that he was told about the significance of the number 7 at Manchester United by Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the Argentine former teammates at Real Madrid.
During his official presentation as Manchester United player, Di Maria said he was eager to follow in the footsteps of the great players who have previously donned the club’s most important shirt, from George Best – though he wore 8 and 11 just as often – to Bryan Robson, from Eric Cantona to David Beckham and Ronaldo himself.
“I was aware of the importance of the No. 7 shirt,” said United’s record signing. “Ronaldo had spoken to me at Real Madrid and told me how important it was.
“I wanted to wear this shirt and do as much for the club as Ronaldo and the others could do.
“The club also wanted me to wear it so I want to make sure that I live up to it.”
“It doesn’t bother me the fact that nearly £60m has been paid for me,” said the Argentine
“That is something the club chairmen have to discuss between them. I have come here to work for the club and do the best I can.
“I’m very pleased to play for Manchester United, I like th team and I wanted to come here even though they are not playing in the Champions League.
“I want to help the team get into the Champions League and I think I can help. I’m very pleased the manager chose me to come here.
“United have already won many trophies and are a very big team, and I’ve come in order to help the team raise their game, become an important team again and win many trophies with them.”
Di Maria might be one of the best wingers in the world, but Louis Van Gaal stressed the Argentine’s work ethic was just as important as his skills and
“When you see his answers [to questions], you can he is a very modest guy and he wants to work,” said Van Gaal after Di Maria was officially unveiled on Thursday.
“I am very pleased that we can have such a class player in our squad. We have many class players, but for me it’s also important that he’s a team player and that’s why I like Di Maria.
“He is not only class and can accelerate the game for us, but he can also play in the interests of the team, and that’s why we have chosen this player.
“He fits in our philosophy. He played in Real Madrid not only as a wide wing player but also in midfield, so that is also a reason why we are convinced he shall succeed”
The Argentine assisted 22 goals in 52 games in all competitions last season, but Van Gaal warned United fans against expecting too much too soon from the club’s record signing.
“I hope he shall give us good results but we cannot expect, after two days’ training, that he is the miracle as I have already read. No, you have to work for the miracle and he knows that.”