Iker Casillas underlined the strengths and qualities of Angel Di Maria ahead of his free transfer to Juventus.

The 34-year-old Argentinian forward is on the verge of joining the Bianconeri on a one-year deal, giving Massimiliano Allegri a short-term boost to his attack. The final details are now being resolved by the parties and things are expected to be fully finalised later this week. Reports suggest that Di Maria will earn around €7m net per season.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Casillas first discussed his memories of playing with Di Maria at Real Madrid.

“Great memories… A great player, if Juventus picks him up as a free agent they’ll pull of a good deal, no doubt.”

He highlighted how the Argentinian winger is still a quality player despite being 34 years old.

“Of course, for various reasons. Firstly, the age of footballers is now relative, careers have become much longer.

“Without going as far as my friend Gigi Buffon’s 44 years of age, today there is no shortage of examples of footballers over 30 who are doing very well and playing at a great level.

“Just think of Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, to stay in Real Madrid. Secondly, Di Maria is a very attentive guy who has always taken care of himself physically.

“Third: he has never suffered serious injuries. He is intact and seems to be in great shape. Fourth: here in Europe he has always played at a high level, in big clubs.”

The 2010 World Cup winner commented on other qualities possessed by Di Maria.

‘Yes. Tactical intelligence, as well as technical qualities. Juventus will sign a player who can do many things, in different areas of the pitch. When we won the Décima, Ancelotti changed his position midway through the season with excellent results.

“And over the years he has continued to move between different tactical situations, more forward or in midfield. He is a smart guy who knows football well, at Juventus he will bring experience and quality, both in massive doses. Also in terms of Champions League. A competition in which he has enormous experience.”

He was not concerned about Di Maria’s ability to adapt to the Italian league and way of playing.

“True, but Di Maria has played in Argentina, Portugal, Spain, England and France. As well as his country’s national team. And he has always done it well.

“I don’t think he will have problems adapting to Italy, also because of what I said before about his tactical flexibility. I repeat, Juve are making a big splash. And then there’s one more thing.”

Finally, Casillas discussed the strengths of Juventus ahead of the upcoming season.

“He’s arriving in a great team. Chiesa, Vlahovic, I read they’re about to close the deal with Pogba, it seems to me Juventus are doing well and with Allegri they have an experienced coach.

“Di Maria will help Juve make a further leap in quality both in Serie A and in Europe, also because in November there is the World Cup and it is clear that he is looking for a team where he can play regularly and prepare himself in the best possible way for the challenge in Qatar.

“I think his choice in favour of Juventus goes in that direction. He is right, and the benefits of this decision will be mutual.”

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