It has been reported that
Argentine midfield playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has quit the
national team following disagreements with coach, Diego Maradona.
The 31-year-old made his shock revelation in an interview with
TV channel Canal 13 as he announced his decision and gave
his reasons:
“I found out on the radio that I would not be selected for the
friendly against France [back in February] and 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.
“For me, the seleccion is now finished. I have my own
principles and the coach does not share the same views. Hopefully,
everything will turn out well for the team and they can qualify
[for the 2010 World Cup] without me,” he said.
Maradona had previously stated that he omitted Riquelme for the
friendly against France as he wanted the player to remain fresh for
his club game for Boca Juniors the immediate weekend.