Angel Di Maria confirms Juventus exit with 'bitter taste' message on social media

• Di Maria departs after one season
• Laments not helping club to trophies
• Thanks fans and team-mates

WHAT HAPPENED? Di Maria took to social media to thanks colleagues and fans and express his regret at not being able to help bring silverware to Turin. The 35-year-old becomes a free agent as his one-year contract comes to an end.

WHAT THEY SAID: Posting on Instagram, Di Maria said: "I arrive at the end of a difficult and complicated time. I go with the tranquility that I gave everything to help the club win trophies but it wasn't to be. I go with a bitter taste of not being able to achieve it but with the happiness of making many friends in a marvellous dressing room. Goodbye to all the Juve fans for all the love you showed every day. I will carry you in my heart."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: It was a difficult season for both Di Maria and Juventus. The Old Lady were hit by a 10-point deduction which saw them fall out of Champions League contention, while dramatic semi-final defeats in the Coppa Italia and Europa League served to frustrate their quest for trophies. Despite a promising start to life in Turin, Di Maria's season was hit by injury and he failed to make a regular impact on the field.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Free agent Di Maria will evaluate his options amid links with a return to Benfica. Juventus face a summer of big decisions as the club struggle to get back on track after two disastrous seasons.