Di Maria says he turned down 'CRAZY' offer to join Ronaldo in Saudi this summer

Angel Di Maria has revealed that he was offered 'crazy' wages by Saudi Arabian clubs but elected to return to Benfica instead.

After his contract at Juventus expired, Di Maria wasn't short of offers but he 'chose with his heart' to go back to Benfica, who he previously played for between 2007 and 2010.

A host of big name players have headed to Saudi Arabia this summer following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in January, but Di Maria made a different decision.

Di Maria told D Sports Radio: 'They called me from Saudi Arabia, I had many calls from them. The numbers they are offering are crazy, but I chose with my heart, I wanted to return to Benfica.'

The winger's return to Portugal has certainly worked out well so far - he scored on his debut against Porto as Benfica won the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.

Subsequently Di Maria was on target in Benfica's league defeat to Boavista before featuring in a victory over Estrela.

Di Maria joined Benfica from Rosario Central and went on to win one league title and two League Cups during his initial spell at the club.

A trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League, followed for Di Maria.

Then came a stint at Manchester United which didn't go to plan, with Di Maria then signing for Paris Saint-Germain, with whom he won five Ligue 1 titles.

Di Maria has also enjoyed glory on the international stage, winning the World Cup with Argentina last year and the Copa America in 2021.