Manchester United midfielder Angel di Maria's transfers might have amounted to more than 100 million euros, but the price of the Argentine when his first ever transfer was made was just 20 footballs.
Di Maria made his first mark in a small club named El Torito, which plays in Copa America, in Rosario.
El Torito coach Marcelo Pavon recalled that Di Maria was only seven when he first had clubs fighting for his signature, revealing that the first sale for Di Maria was only 20 footballs to Rosario Central, China Daily reported.
Pavon said that it was a fortune for Rosario Central.
From then on, Portugal's Benfica paid Rosario Central more than five million euros for the 19-year-old Di Maria in 2007 and they eventually sold the Argentine to Real Madrid for 25 million euros, from where Manchester United signed the player for more than 80 million euros, the report added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
