Angel Di Maria has joined Benfica after departing Juventus as a free agent.
The Bianconeri let the attacker go due to their financial burdens and lack of Champions League football.
The 35-year-old winger has signed a one-year contract with the Primeira Liga champions, committing to the club until 2024.
Di Maria’s return to Benfica marks a homecoming for the player. He previously played for the club from 2007 to 2010 before moving on to continue his glittering career.
He moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid after a stellar 2010 World Cup campaign.
De Maria achieved remarkable success, winning La Liga, the Champions League and two domestic cups.
Di Maria then left for one season in the Premier League with Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup.
He moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he enjoyed more success with Les Parisiens. He won 18 titles with the Ligue 1 champions before leaving in 2022.
Di Maria donned the black and white of Serie A side Juventus last season and had a decent campaign despite battling with injuries.
However, the Argentine maestro has now set his sights on a new challenge in familiar territory.
Di Maria will reunite with his close friend and compatriot, Nicolas Otamendi, who was part of Argentina’s squad as they won the 2022 World Cup.
Despite piping FC Porto to the Primeira Liga title last season, Benfica have wasted no time reinforcing their squad ahead of next season.
They have already signed Orkun Kokcu from Feyenoord. The Turkish playmaker is their replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who left for Chelsea in the January transfer window.
They have now added Di Maria, who will provide them with an experienced option for the flanks.
