Angel Di Maria has opened up about the mental toll high-profile defeats have taken on him.
The former Manchester United winger, now in his late 30s, is still playing for Benfica.
Despite a glittering career, he admitted that past heartbreaks continue to affect him.
Di Maria has endured several painful defeats, especially with Argentina’s national team.
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He lost two Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final in a three-year span.
Though he later won the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America, the scars remain.
“Because of that, I’m still taking the meds,” Angel Di Maria told Infobae as reported on ESPN.
“I was able to reduce the dosage. I’m much better, but it’s something addictive, too.
“These things stay with you, they mark you.”
Di Maria also expressed sympathy for players who came close but never won.
“Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?” he asked.
“Very few, and it seems unfair to me.
“Who talks about those players? Nobody.
“When we became world champions, I always said those trophies were also thanks to them.”
Di Maria retired from international football last year after 16 years with Argentina.
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He has no regrets about his decision and is content with how his career played out.
“I was there for 16 years, it was like being at a club,” he said.
“It’s difficult, but I think I made the right decision.
“I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I left the way I wanted to leave.
“I hope one day I can be there again, in a different role.”
Di Maria joined United in 2014 for £60m after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid.
However, he struggled in England and left for Paris Saint-Germain after just one season.
He spent seven years at PSG, had a season at Juventus, and is now in his second year at Benfica.
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