Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Mesut Ozil is more talented that Andel Di Maria, but he decided to sell the German because he doesn't have enough character.
Ozil left the Spanish giants for Arsenal on transfer deadline day in a club record £42 million deal.
The move was prompted by Gareth Bale's arrival at the Bernabeu, but Di Maria has continued to play an important role so far this season with the Welshman injured for much of the campaign.
Explaining his decision to sell Ozil, Ancelotti said: "I decided the departure of Ozil. I prefer Di Maria for the balance of the team.
"It's true, that maybe Di Maria has less quality than Ozil but on a profile of dynamism, character and help to the team I preferred Di Maria.
"With the arrival of Bale it was better to have Di Maria than Ozil."
A number of Real players have questioned the decision to sell the German, but Ancelotti says they must accept his decision.
"The players have to be professional," he added.
"The player is not asked about these things, if a player is leaving or not.
"If you have a friendship with a player you may be a bit sad that a player is leaving, but nothing more."