There are only a few like Angel Di Maria. Never gets the credit and spotlight he deserves, but always does the talking on the pitch. One of the most underrated players in world football, El Fideo has been a cult hero, and a force to reckon the field. As a defender, one would agree that they had to go an extra mile to stop him.
It is certain that along with the footballing aspect, players always need unorthodox ways to stop greats on the field like Di Maria. Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis has come out to reveal his way of stopping Angel Di Maria, followed with a heartfelt apology saying he regrets doing it.
Filipe Luis apologizes to Angel Di Maria
Filipe Luis, now recently retired, was himself an important part of the Atletico Madrid team that was inches close to doing the La Liga and Champions League double back in 2014. Luis came back to Atletico, after just a year with Chelsea, followed by his final move to Flamengo.
In a recent interview, Luis came out to reveal one of his ways of stopping Angel Di Maria. Luis, after consulting Di Maria’s national teammate Sergio Aguero, found out a ‘below the belt’ tactic to stop Di Maria, in one of his remarkable seasons.
🗣️ Filipe Luis: “My biggest regret was with Di María. Atléti vs Real, Agüero said 'if you come and talk about his wife, he'll get lost'
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 10, 2023
I spoke about his wife and he was lost. I beat him the whole game. I got home and regretted it so much.
Di María, I'm sorry." pic.twitter.com/o39HjEYQab
He said that Aguero suggested he bring up his wife’s name in the game in order to distract him, and apparently it worked. Luis mentioned that Di Maria was lost in the whole game and couldn’t play properly.
He came out to state, “I mentioned his wife and he was devastated. I outplayed him the whole game, and he didn’t do well. I came home and I regretted it so much. Di Maria, I’m sorry”.
However, the former Brazil defender has rightfully apologized for the incident and has said that he regrets it the most from his playing career.
Angel Di Maria’s record vs Atletico Madrid
Angel Di Maria, like many would agree, is one of the most underrated active players. Mostly known for his goals in Argentina’s two most important matches in this generation, Di Maria, who is set to retire from national duty, is undoubtedly one of the best players Argentina has ever produced.
Angel Di María vs Atlético Madrid in the #UCLfinal In 2014.pic.twitter.com/yo0lH88Wqq
— ⚽⚽⚽ (@ElijahKyama_) May 28, 2022
Not only for Argentina, but Di Maria’s performance for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final also remains in the Hall of Fame. From being anxious to running havoc in the match, Di Maria put a statement against Atletico.
📊 Angel Di Maria vs Atletico Madrid – UCL FINAL (2014):
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) January 30, 2022
• 1st in successful dribbling [6]
• 1st in fouls received [4]
• 1st in centers comp. [6]
• 2nd in ball touches [116]
• 2nd in key passes [2]
• 2nd in interceptions [2]
[@argentidata] https://t.co/3EQNrjt9cV
The 35-year-old loved an outing with Atletico Madrid and has won ten out of the 14 matches he has played against the local rivals, scoring three and assisting six while on the pitch. However, his assist for Gareth Bale in the UCL final remains a dagger to the Atleti hearts.
Do you think it is right for players to sledge on opponents by involving their family? Let us know what you think about it.
