Ángel Di María has apologised to Manchester United supporters for his unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford in an open letter, suggesting that factors beyond his control contributed to his struggles.

The Argentinian winger joined Paris Saint-Germain for €63m on Thursday, less than a year after signing for United in a €85m transfer from Real Madrid. After a promising beginning to life in the Premier League, scoring three times in his first five games, his form tailed off dramatically and by the end of the 2014-15 season he was being used from the substitutes' bench.

“I’m aware things didn’t work as we all expected and believe me, I feel really sorry about it,” Di María wrote. “However in the career of a football player sometimes the unexpected and unwanted may happen. I can guarantee you it was not for trying. I did my best but football is not like maths: often a lot of things out of our control affect the way we feel and the way things turn out. I am sorry it did not work out as I would have wished in this amazing huge club.”

Di María went on to thank the club and its fans for their support, pledging never to forget his short spell in Manchester. “I want to give special thanks to all the directors and management of Manchester United as well as to every member of the staff and colleagues as they gave me all their support,” he wrote. “Also a special mention to all the fans who always trusted me and showed me their respect and love. Now is time to move to PSG but the Glorious Manchester United Club will be forever in my memory!”

The 27-year-old’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain made him the most expensive player in history when accumulated fees are taken into account. His moves from CA Rosario Central to Benfica, Benfica to Real Madrid, Real Madrid to Manchester United and Manchester United to PSG have totalled €178m, eclipsing the €168m fetched by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

(Guardian service)