Angel Di Maria confirmed that he will leave Benfica at the end of the season, after he had played his “last league match” for the club.
The side of Bruno Lage missed the title Primeira Liga after a 1-1 draw with Braga on the last day.
Di Maria climbed the bank to set up the Equalizer of Evangelos Pavlidis, but it turned out to be academic for Benfica, who ended two points behind champions with CP after the 2-0 win of the last over Vorroria Guimaraes.
It marked the last League appearance of the veteran world cup winner for the Lions, which he added to him in 2023.
Di Maria could still occur in the Taca de Portugal final of next weekend against Sporting, as well as the coming club World Cup, but will not renew his contract with Benfica.
“It was not the end result we wanted in the competition,” he wrote on his social media channels. “We worked hard to reach [our] goal.
“It's hard to end up after such a long year. It was my last league match in this shirt and I am proud to have been able to wear it again.
“We still have a final on Sunday, and we are going inside with all our will and joy to win it. Together, as always. Thank you for your support …”
Di Maria made 212 performances in his two spells with Benfica, which he also played for between 2007 and 2010, and scored 47 goals.
The 37-year-old played 39 times this season for the club, succeeded 15 times and provided nine assists.