New Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria admits he could not believe Jose Mourinho was interested in signing him and claims he will always be grateful to the Portuguese coach for having brought him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Argentina international Di Maria became Mourinho's first signing as Madrid coach when a deal was signed from Benfica after the World Cup finals.
"I am excited to be here and just want it to start,'' he told AS. "I am relaxed and will rest during these days before starting pre-season training. I couldn't believe (he wanted to sign me). It's something good for me and also very special at the same time.
"I will always be grateful that he said he wanted me to come to Real Madrid. I will try to give everything on and off the pitch to prove he made the right decision to bring me here. With the players that are here it will be very special to play with them all.
"I have always watched them on television. It will be very special to play with Cristiano and Kaka. I have come from winning a title at Benfica, now I want to win here in Madrid and I will give everything to achieve as much as possible."