Argentinian Juan Roman Riquelme has confirmed that he will return
to Villarreal on Monday, ending months of speculation over his
future.
Riquelme has been on loan at Boca Juniors since February after
falling out with Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The talented playmaker was the catalyst for Boca's successful Copa
Libertadores campaign, and was expected by some to continue his
career in his homeland on the expiry of the loan deal.
But with his contract at Villarreal tying him to the club until
2009, the Argentina international is obliged to return to Spain
ahead of the coming Primera Liga campaign.
Riquelme said: "There is a lot of talk on the radio and in
newspapers.
"I never said anything. My obligation is to train next week at the
club where I have a two-year contract ahead."
The 29-year-old added that he has no problems with returning to
work under Pellegrini.
"It's going to be the same, he is the coach and I'm a player,"
Riquelme said.
"I'm going to train and he will set up the team each Sunday."
The player nevertheless has left the door wide open for a possible
return to the club he has supported all his life.
He added: "Maybe I will put on the Boca shirt in June of 2009, when
my Villarreal contract expires."