“It’s hard to comprehend” that supporters would target “the finest player in the world,” says the Argentina international. Lionel Messi “does not pay heed” to the booing he has heard from Paris Saint-Germain fans in recent weeks, according to Angel Di Maria.
Messi has had a difficult first season at PSG after joining on a free transfer from Barcelona last summer, scoring just nine goals in 32 appearances across all competitions. Since the club’s Champions League round-of-16 defeat to Real Madrid, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been exposed to constant jeers, much to the surprise of his fellow countryman Di Maria.
The Argentina international understands why PSG fans are unhappy after yet another European defeat, but he does not believe Messi deserves to be singled out. In an interview with Todo Pasa on Argentinian radio station Urbana Play FM, Di Maria described the 34-year-old’s reaction to the boos, saying: “The best player in the world whistled… it’s hard to believe.”
But here at the club, the ultras are demanding, they are very passionate, and when they see the greatest players come in and we are eliminated in the Champions League last 16, it’s understandable that they are dissatisfied. It happens all over the place. It happens among the best in the world here. Leo isn’t paying attention; it’s a minor thing. We know it’s that way; it has to be that way.
“We must be courageous.” These types of things happen in football. When Di Maria’s seven-year contract with PSG expires in June, GOAL reports that Juventus have offered him a one-year deal in Turin.
There have also been reports of a possible return to Argentina, but Di Maria wants to continue playing at the top level of club football in order to improve his prospects of playing in the 2022 World Cup. PSG might still exercise their option to sign Di Maria for another season, which he has acknowledged is his personal preference:
My contract expires in June, and I intend to stay here. I’d like to spend my final year in Europe, in Paris. I’m not sure if the club shares my enthusiasm. ” There is a pre-contract; we’ll see if we sign it or not; if not, I’ll look at joining another European team in order to come to the World Cup in the best possible shape.
