Argentine football fans have a huge rooting interest in tomorrow’s Manchester derby, with the United duo of Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo versus City’s Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero. The community relations departments of both Manchester United and Manchester City organized an event yesterday with both Zabaleta and Di Maria in attendance.
Di Maria and Zabaleta are teammates on Argentina’s national team and they said a lot of great things about each other. However, once the game match kicks off on Sunday, they are rivals.
Said Di Maria:
“When we see each other in the tunnel before games, I think it’s right to say ‘hi’ and greet each other, whether it’s an ex-teammate or a good friend. That’s normal, as long as you remember that you fight for the club and the shirt once the 90 minutes start. There are no friendships on the pitch.”
“Once you’re on the field, you forget all that. Everyone, no matter which side you are on, is fighting for the shirt. You are defending the pride of your colors.”
The Telegraph, ESPN FC numerous outlets reported these Di Maria quotes. Earlier this week both Di Maria and United midfielder Daley Blind took the time to thank United fans for their dedication.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2