Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme quit the Argentine national side for the second time in three years on Tuesday and blamed coach Diego Maradona for his decision. "The national team is over for me," the former Barcelona and Villarreal player, now with Boca Juniors, told the Canal 13 television station in an interview.
"Im going to watch the World Cup on the television." "We dont think the same way. We dont share the same codes of ethics. While he is the coach of the national team, we cant work together."
Maradona told the same television station: "Im very sad that Riquelme does not want to play in my team but Im not going to cry over spilt milk." It was the second major controversy since Maradonas surprise appointment in October. Less than two weeks after he took over, Maradona reportedly threatened to quit after the Argentine association refused to allow him to name Oscar Ruggeri as his assistant.
The enigmatic Riquelme, 30, previously retired after the 2006 World Cup. He backtracked less than a year later and led his side to the final of the Copa America with some inspired performances. Riquelme, who is seen as a classic South American playmaker, has split opinions throughout his career.
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