Di Maria was greedy - Ancelotti

Posted Wednesday, October 15, 2014 by YAHOO Sport

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Real Madrid decided to cash in on Angel Di Maria this summer due to the Argentine's hefty wage demands.

The versatile midfielder played a key role in Madrid's successful Champions League campaign last term as they finally ended their long wait won La Decima.

However, Di Maria was then sold to Manchester United in a deal worth £59.1 million after talks over a contract renewal broke down, and Ancelotti insists his wage demands were too high for the Spanish giants.

"Di Maria demanded a lot of money and preferred to leave in order to earn more elsewhere. The club simply couldn't give him the money he wanted," Ancelotti told Cadena Cope.

"There are times when a club has to say no. You cannot change the club's policy for just one player."

Di Maria was replaced by Colombia international James Rodriguez following some stellar showings at the World Cup and Ancelotti insists the former Monaco star is worth his £63m pricetag, while dismissing claims that he is being forced to play the forward by the club's hierarchy.

"James is worth the money. When you pay £63m, it's because you think a player is worth it," he said.

"If the president told me to play someone, I'd step down right away..."

James has netted once in seven La Liga appearances so far this season.