Angel di Maria has revealed that his close relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo was the main reason for the Argentine staying at Real Madrid last season.

The new Manchester United signing had been linked with a move away from Madrid in 2013, but went on to win the Champions League with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Di Maria told ESPN Radio: 'The truth is that I have a great relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and I stayed at Madrid last season thanks to him.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Di Maria needs time to settle - Van Gaal

Angel di Maria (left) claims Cristiano Ronaldo is the reason he stayed at Real Madrid

Big money: Angel di Maria (centre) signed for Manchester United in a £60million move

'I left Madrid in the best possible way, by winning La Decima. In my farewell letter, I said exactly how I felt from the first day at the Bernabeu.'

The 26-year-old signed for United for a £60million British record feem signing a five-year deal with the Old Trafford club.

Di Maria recently penned an open letter to Madrid fans following his departure.

In the letter, published by Spanish newspaper Marca, Di Maria said: ‘Unfortunately today I have to go, but I want to make clear that this was never my desire.

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‘As anyone who works, I’ve always wanted to progress. After winning ‘La Decima’ I went to the World Cup with the hope of receiving a new contract, which never came.

‘Many things and many lies were spoken. They always wanted to attribute the initiative to me to leave the club, but I did not. The only thing I asked for is something that would be fair.

He added: ‘I’ve been lucky enough to share a dressing room with fantastic players, who have been even better companions.

‘I think that was the key to La Decima. I want to apologize for the times I was wrong, on or off the pitch. It was never my intention to harm anyone.

‘I sweated for this shirt in every game as if it was my last. There were times when things went for me and others not, but what I can say is that I always gave everything.’

VIDEO Di Maria needs time to settle - Van Gaal