Real Madrid Chief: Di Maria Leaves to Make Space for Better Players

Real Madrid legend and current director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno has explained Angel Di Maria's exit, claiming that some stars must leave the Santiago Bernabeu as every year the club sign the best players around the world.

Even though the deal is yet to be official, reports claim an agreement has been reached for around £60m as Di Maria arrived to the UK on Monday evening ahead of his presentation as a new Manchester United player.

When questioned about why Real Madrid have decided to sell Di Maria to Manchester United, Butragueno explained: "Real Madrid aim to sign the best players in the world every summer and that means some players have to leave."

"Having the best player is the best way to fight for titles," the Real Madrid chief was quoted as saying by AS.

Di Maria's future at the club has been under scrutiny since the Champions League winners paid around £63m to secure the services of the World Cup sensation James Rodriguez.

And while last summer Real Madrid parted ways with Mesut Ozil by selling him for £42m to Arsenal to make a gap for Gareth Bale, they have now done the same with the Argentinian international.

And asked when the deal will be official, he said: "Di Maria is a great player. We are now waiting to conclude a deal. There is not more to add. If there is an agreement it is because all parties are happy."

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti already confirmed the departure of Di Maria on Sunday while suggesting the current squad is stronger than last season – as even though Di Maria has left the club they have brought both Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.

"The midfield is very well covered, and in place of Di Maria we have both Isco and James. In general, with the arrival of Kroos, James and Keylor, the squad has been strengthened. They have brought with them the keenness of the new player and a high degree of quality," he said.