Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has made the shocking announcement that he is walking away from the National Team after disagreements with Argentina boss Diego Maradona.

Via Iht

The 31-year-old made his shock revelation in an interview with TV channel Canal 13 as he announced his decision and gave his reasons:

“I found out on the radio that I would not be selected for the friendly against France [back in February] and I also found out, on television, that the coach wants me to play in a different position. It is clear that we cannot work together.

“For me, the seleccion is now finished. I have my own principles and the coach does not share the same views. Hopefully, everything will turn out well for the team and they can qualify [for the 2010 World Cup] without me,” he said.

Maradona had previously stated that he omitted Riquelme for the friendly against France as he wanted the player to remain fresh for his club game for Boca Juniors the immediate weekend.

Maradona’s response telling the same television station: “I’m very sad that Riquelme does not want to play in my team but I’m not going to cry over spilt milk.”

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.

Image via DailyMail