'Di Maria is world class'
Manchester United announced on Tuesday that they have signed Argentina winger Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for a British-record transfer fee of £59.7 million ($98 million, 75 million euros).
The 26-year-old's move, on a five-year contract, shatters the previous British-record fee of £50 million paid by Chelsea to sign Spain striker Fernando Torres from Liverpool in 2011.
"Manchester United is delighted to announce that Angel di Maria has completed his transfer for a British-record fee of £59.7 million. Angel joins on a five-year contract," said a club statement.
United manager Louis van Gaal said: "Angel is a world-class midfielder, but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.
"He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team."
Di Maria said it was Van Gaal's "vision" for the English giants that had persuaded him to move to Old Trafford, even though United are not playing in Europe after their seventh-place finish in last term's Premier League.
"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United," Di Maria said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for."
Di Maria could make his debut at Burnley on Saturday as Van Gaal looks to revitalise a United team still without a win after the first two games of the new Premier League campaign.
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