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Angel Di Maria continues feud with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

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Martino: Di Maria among the best (1:05)

New Argentina boss Tata Martino hailed Angel di Maria as one of the best players in the world after he inspired a 4-2 friendly victory over World Cup winners Germany. (1:05)

Angel Di Maria has continued his war of words with Florentino Perez, telling Radio America the Real Madrid president attempted to prevent him representing Argentina in the World Cup final.

- Lowe: Madrid following Perez more than ever

Di Maria had hit out at the Madrid board after completing his move to Manchester United last month, claiming the club told "lies" in suggesting that he had been seeking to leave the Bernabeu.

The row continued on Friday when Perez told a news conference that Madrid "made the best offer you could to a football player and he didn't accept," adding: "No one was going to make that kind of money but Cristiano."

Speaking to the "America & Closs" radio show, though, Di Maria dismissed those comments and said: "I didn't have much to do with Florentino. When I signed and renewed my contract, he wasn't present."

Cristiano Ronaldo had been a prominent supporter of Di Maria's cause, and during the week he indicated that he was not happy with the European champions' transfer business this summer.

Perez played down those remarks at his news conference, insisting there were no problems with Ronaldo, but Di Maria was uncertain whether the Portugal star -- who recently talked up a return to Old Trafford -- would end his career in the Spanish capital.

"I don't know how long he will stick it out in Madrid," he said.

Di Maria added: "The Madrid president said he bought James Rodriguez because I wanted to go but I never said that. Cristiano always supported me because he knew I didn't want to go, but these things happen and the club decided to bring in other players. The 75 million they got through selling me was very good for the club."

He also said the club had sent a letter to the Argentina FA (AFA) on the morning of the World Cup final with Germany requesting that he sit the match out.

The winger had sustained a thigh injury during Argentina's quarterfinal victory over Belgium, which left serious question marks over his ability to take part in the final.

"Yes, there was a letter from Madrid that arrived at about 11 o'clock on the day of the game," Di Maria said. "I was aiming to see if I could recover to play in the final, knowing that there was a risk of re-injuring myself.

"As soon as I got it, I tore it up and paid no attention."

He said the then AFA president, Julio Grondona, had received the letter but assured him that he "would take care of what might happen" financially if Di Maria played and suffered a setback.

Ultimately Di Maria played no part in the defeat to Germany, but he said it was purely down to coach Alejandro Sabella.

"I suffered a lot after hearing that I wouldn't play, but these things happen," he said. "It was Sabella's decision and he made the decision for the benefit of the team. I didn't want to leave the team a man short after five minutes."

Di Maria believes it is "impossible" that his new club, United, would prevent him linking up with the national team. "It's what I love and, whenever I'm called up by the coach, I want to be there," he said.

He said he is "very happy" in Manchester but has yet to adapt to England, with Spain international Juan Mata currently assisting him as he attempts to learn the language.

He also praised coach Louis van Gaal and is confident that, despite the club's difficult start to the season, the players will soon adapt to the Dutchman's approach, including his 3-5-2 formation.

"Van Gaal is a good coach," he said. "Playing three defenders is difficult because the players here aren't used to it, but over time things will change.

"Hopefully we can put Manchester United back where they belong."