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Akan Anwankwo
– Angel Di Maria has been told by Argentine coach Lionel Scolani that he is not worried about his comments after being snubbed
– The PSG star will not be in the squad that will face Ecuador and Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers
– The 32-year-old won 102 caps for the Albiceleste and is yet to win a senior tournament for his country
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Angel Di Maria has received a timely response from the Argentine national team coach Lionel Scolani after he was dropped from their World Cup qualifiers.
The Albiceleste will play Ecuador and Bolivia during the international window and the 32-year-old has been omitted from the squad.
However, the Paris saint-Germain midfielder claims if he was snubbed judging by his age then players above 30 including Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi should also be dropped.
Angel Di Maria: Argentine coach responds to claims he should drop Messi.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
But Scolani has defended his team list ahead of the two South America qualifiers:
“I am not worried that he is angry.
“I appreciate it and value it, but after the Copa America, in those six games, the team worked without him.
“The team works without Di Maria and I am not going to use him.
“He is not part of this call, but he is not outside the national team.”
Di Maria has played 102 times fro his native country and helped PSG into the Champions League final last season earlier said:
“At my club it’s to try to have a chance with the national team and compete. It’s difficult to understand that being in good form, I’m not called up.
“If I’m not called, it’s because they don’t want me, but I will keep fighting to be in the team.
“I’m old at 32? If we start to think about replacements, we should do it with everyone.
“For that, Messi, Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi shouldn’t go and others who are in great form.
“Many say that I’m old but I still run the same way and I can be at the same level as Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
“I’ve been in good form for 18 months and haven’t been called up, I’ll continue to show that I’m capable of being in the squad.
“I wish with all of my soul to wear the shirt again. Every time I play a good game or become a better player, I only think about being called up.
“It’s true I’ve been involved for 12 years but it’s my dream and I want to be included.”
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Angel Di Maria has been dropped from the Argentine squad that will play World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia during the international window.
And the Paris Saint-Germain star lashed out at the national team coach, Lionel Scaloni despite his involvement in last season’s Champions League campaign.
The 32-year-old had admitted that he was surprised by his exclusion and claimed if he was judged by his age, then the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi should also be dropped.
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