Manchester United's Record Signing di Maria Claims he was Forced Out by Real Madrid

Manchester United's new signing Angel di Maria claims he never wanted to leave Real Madrid and was forced out of the Bernabeu by the club's hierarchy.

The Argentina international, whose £59.7 million move to United broke the British transfer record, says the reports about him not being happy at Madrid and refusing to sign a new contract were all "lies".

"My cycle at Real Madrid has come to an end," di Maria wrote in a letter to Madrid fans. "It's impossible to capture everything I've experienced here in a few lines but I hope this letter communicates what I feel at the moment."

"I had the honour to wear this shirt for four years and I feel nothing but pride for what I went through and achieved with my team-mates. Unfortunately, I have to go but I want to make clear that this was never my desire. Like anyone who works, I've always wanted to progress."

The 26-year-old, who arrived at Madrid from Benfica in 2010 for a reported fee of €25 million, says he never wanted to leave, especially after winning La Decima with Madrid last season.

"After winning La Decima (tenth Champions League) I went to the World Cup with the hope of receiving a gesture from the board, which never arrived. Many things and many lies were told. Someone may not like me. The only thing I asked for was something fair."

However, di Maria insists that he is happy to have signed for United, and hopes that he will find even more success at Old Trafford.

"There are many things that I value and many of them have nothing to do with my salary. I hope to find them at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Meanwhile, United boss Louis vaan Gaal, who watched his team succumb to a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of tier 3 side MK Dons in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, feels di Maria needs some time to adapt to Premier League.

"He has to adapt to our culture, our philosophy, he cannot change (just) like that," van Gaal told ESPN.

The Dutchman also hinted that he may have to change United's new system to accommodate di Maria.

"You cannot switch to another system and it works like that. You have to train it, it's a matter of time because the process needs time so we shall see if with Di Maria we have to change the system or not."