[Pat Murphy]

Boca Juniors Give Up On Riquelme

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri admitted today that his side has little chance of re-signing Villarreal's Juan Roman Riquelme...

La Boquita has all but given up on getting back Juan Roman Riquelme.

The 29 year old Argentinian spent the first half of 2007 on loan at the Bombanera, helping his former club to a 2nd place finish in the Clausura, but it seems that he won't be returning for the new campaign.

Club president Macri said that it was "practically impossible" to land the attacking midfielder once more.

He added, "We always wanted him to come back, but his club [Villarreal] are reluctant, plus the asking price is very high."

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini seemed set to get rid of Riquelme again this season after declaring the player surplus to requirements, but the former Barcelona man has been assigned a squad number at El Madrigal and may be able to fight his way back into contention.

Failing that, several teams in Spain have their eye on the San Fernando-born player.

Goal.com

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