Angel Di Maria confirmed his contract with Juventus will not be extended, as he says goodbye to the fans with a ‘bitter taste’ at failing to win silverware.
“I have come to the end of a difficult and complicated period,” wrote Di Maria on Instagram.
“I leave safe in the knowledge I gave my all for the club to continue winning titles, but it was not possible. I leave with a bitter taste at not having succeeded, but with the joy of bringing with me many friends in this marvellous locker room that I was part of.
“Thank you to all my teammates for the affection they showed me from the first day, I always felt at home. I salute all the Juventini for their daily affection.
“A big hug. I will carry you in my heart.”
The 35-year-old Argentina international arrived as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain last summer on a one-year contract and now leaves in similar circumstances.
It had been expected in recent weeks, with neither the club or the forward particularly eager to continue their time together.
El Fideo made 40 competitive appearances in the Juventus jersey, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.
However, he was jeered off the field by home fans in his final game at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.
The season was split by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which saw Argentina win the ultimate football trophy and inevitably monopolise most of Di Maria’s attention, especially in the build-up to the competition.
He also had numerous injury problems, but his highlight was the hat-trick in the Europa League play-off against FC Nantes.