Riquelme quits Argentina due to disagreements with Maradona
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Juan Román Riquelme has announced that he will no longer play with Argentina national team because of irreconcilable differences with coach Diego Maradona.
The Boca Juniors star is said to be disappointed at an interview given by Maradona to Argentinian television, where he questioned Riquelme's fitness and role in the side.
The 30-year-old hasn't played for the Albiceleste under Maradona with the coach saying Riquelme had club commitments.
"I found out on the radio that I would not be selected for the friendly against France (back in February)," Riquelme said in an interview with Canal 13 television.
"I also found out, on television, that the coach wants me to play in a different position. It is clear that we cannot work together.
"The national team is over for me. I have my own principles and the coach does not share the same views.
"It hurts me in my soul to do this, but hopefully everything will turn out well for the team and they can qualify for the World Cup without me."
Ironically, before Riquelme made his announcement, Maradona had indicated he wanted to call the player into the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
He told Radio La Red: "I presented a list of players that I wanted to have for the upcoming games against Venezuela and Bolivia and Riquelme was on that list.
"I don't know what Riquelme's problem is. What I have said on TV is that I need him to be at his best for the sake of the team.
"I didn't say I don't want him to play anymore. But if he thinks that, that's his problem.
"Any player that decides to leave my team will never recalled."
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The Boca Juniors star is said to be disappointed at an interview given by Maradona to Argentinian television, where he questioned Riquelme's fitness and role in the side.
The 30-year-old hasn't played for the Albiceleste under Maradona with the coach saying Riquelme had club commitments.
"I found out on the radio that I would not be selected for the friendly against France (back in February)," Riquelme said in an interview with Canal 13 television.
"I also found out, on television, that the coach wants me to play in a different position. It is clear that we cannot work together.
"The national team is over for me. I have my own principles and the coach does not share the same views.
"It hurts me in my soul to do this, but hopefully everything will turn out well for the team and they can qualify for the World Cup without me."
Ironically, before Riquelme made his announcement, Maradona had indicated he wanted to call the player into the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
He told Radio La Red: "I presented a list of players that I wanted to have for the upcoming games against Venezuela and Bolivia and Riquelme was on that list.
"I don't know what Riquelme's problem is. What I have said on TV is that I need him to be at his best for the sake of the team.
"I didn't say I don't want him to play anymore. But if he thinks that, that's his problem.
"Any player that decides to leave my team will never recalled."
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
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