Diego Armando Maradona pulled out heavy guns to attack playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme following the latter’s decision to leave Boca Juniors, while also defending his record at Al Wasl after he was fired by the Dubai-based club.
Riquelme (34) stunned Boca fans following a Copa Libertadores defeat to Brazil’s Corinthians by stating that he would not continue at the blue&yellow powerhouse since he felt empty.
During a radio interview, Maradona took the opportunity to charge against Riquelme, who had already abandoned the Argentine national team twice, and his decision to leave Boca.
«If you feel empty, fill yourself up. Riquelme has betrayed 75 per cent of the country, who are Boca fans,» the 1986 World Cup winner fired during the radio interview, also claiming that the public feud between the two was not down to him.
«I did not fight with Riquelme, he fought with me. I want both Argentina and Boca fans to know that, I have never even had a chat about the issue with him.»
The now coach concluded by referring to his trophyless year in UAE, which ended with his recent sacking.
«The Arabs have the right to choose whatever coach they want, but everyone should know we fought on four fronts with 17 footballers,» Maradona explained, while also took time to deny reports indicating that he has requested a 17 million dollars compensation for his dismissal: «Whoever gave that information is a stupid.»
buenosairesherald.com