Argentina captain retiresArgentine playmaker, Juan Roman Riquelme, announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.
The 28 year old cited the main reason as the welfare of his mother who, after Riquelme’s disappointing performance against Brazil in London two weeks ago, has apparently been on the end of some verbal abuse regarding her son’s recent performances for the national team.
Riquelme said, “My mother comes before anything, before football and before the shirt of Argentina.”
He informed the new coach of Argentina, Alfio Basile, of his decision prior to releasing his media statement.
Basile was said to be disappointed with Riquelme’s choice after making him captain for his first game in charge but Riquelme said that the former Boca coach ultimately understood his reasons and that they both wished each other the best of luck in the future.
He concluded his statement by taking a swipe at the Argentine media who he blamed for chasing him out. “When the team played badly it was always my fault. Now you can find yourselves a new scapegoat.”
By Dan Horlock
By Dan Horlock
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