[Pat Murphy]

Riquelme Finally Confirms Boca Exit

Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has finally confirmed he will not continue to play for Boca Juniors, and will return to Villarreal on Monday.

Finally after weeks of speculation Riquelme told reporters that he will no longer play for Boca, and will return to Villarreal, where he will begin training on Monday.

“In a few days I have to begin training with my club, which is Villarreal”, Riquelme stated in a press conference.

“I will immediately get myself ready for [Villarreal] manager Manuel Pellegrini, who I plan to only have a player and manager relationship with, and only that”, he explained.

The Argentine international affirmed: “I’ve always been a Boca fan, and when I play for Villarreal and watch Boca on the television and see one of my teammates wearing the number ten jersey, I will feel like I am lending it to him, right until the day when I put it on again”.

Riquelme told the press that he is likely to play for the Argentine giants again in the near future: “Maybe I will put on the Boca shirt in June of 2009, when my Villarreal contract expires”.

The talented playmaker, who led Boca to the 2007 Copa Libertadores title, sent his thanks to the Boca directors who tried their best to keep him at the club for another season: “I thank you for doing your best to retain me, but the truth is I have been a Villarreal player as from the 31st of June, and I’m obligated to present myself at the club”.

Boca’s directors intended to keep the player, but were unable to purchase him from Villarreal because of his hefty price tag.

Riquelme had made it clear that he didn't want to return to play for Villarreal, but must do so after not receiving any formal offers to join any other clubs, despite interest from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

The gifted midfielder expressed his desire to continue to enjoy playing football, even though he won't be able to help Boca fight for the Club World Cup that will be held in Japan in December.

“I feel fortunate to play football and I’m happy when I play on the pitch. Since I was a little kid I was taught that I should have fun, and I want to continue to do this”, he concluded.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Argentina - Riquelme Finally Confirms Boca Exit


Riquelme returns. The question now is, will he play or will Pelligrini just chose Matia over him?