Ex Barca coach claims Di Maria was sold to Man U because he was 'too ugly' for Real's 'Galacticos'

A former Barcelona player and coach has claimed that Real Madrid sold Angel Di Maria to Manchester United not because of the 59.7 million-pound transfer fee, but because the Argentine was too ugly for Florentino Perez's Galacticos.

United might believe that they have pulled off a coup in signing Di Maria, who despite struggling for form since switching to Old Trafford, continues to be considered among the best players on the planet.

However, former Barca player and coach, Carles Rexach, believes that it wasn't just the 59.7 million pounds transfer fee that swayed Real to sell a player who had been key in helping them win their 10th European crown, he insists that the midfielder's looks played a part too, The Independent reported.

According to Rexach, who played for Barcelona for 22 years and went on to coach the side in 2001, Real president Florentino Perez is keen to sell an 'international brand' and that includes grouping together players that are pleasing to look at.

Rexach said that Perez looks at the world market and wants a team of Galacticos for everyone to admire, adding that Ronaldo is the flagship of the club. He insisted that Perez is selling an international brand, adding that Vicente del Bosque and Di Maria are too ugly for Real.

Rexach said that Del Bosque and Di Maria are different from Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.