'I'm not interested in what Maradona says' - Riquelme calls time on his Boca Juniors career

15 Sep 2012 00:25:00

The Argentine international is happy to have had his contract suspended and says he is uninterested in the 51-year-old's comments about his perceived lack of motivation

Juan Roman Riquelme has spoken of his happiness at having had his contract suspended by Boca Juniors, and says he is not interested in what Diego Maradona has to say after the Argentina legend questioned his motivation.

The 34-year-old has not played for Boca since their Copa Libertadores defeat at the hands of Corinthians, announcing his desire to leave the club.

And the Xeneizes president, Daniel Angelici, confirmed on Friday that Riquelme has been allowed to have his contract suspended, meaning that he is now officially on unpaid leave and free to sign for any team outside of Argentina.

"I've left the club and I'm happy with my decision. My last match was a Copa Libertadores final," the former Barcelona playmaker announced at press conference.

"I'm not interested in whatever that guy [Maradona] says. I won three and I lost that last one which I also wanted to win. I'm a man who always keeps his word. I have fulfilled all my dreams as a player.

"From now on I'll just be a Boca fan and I'll wish them well. Now it's time for Leandro Paredes to shine. He is 18 years old and is a great player. I don't want to stay and stand in his way.

"I feel I play better than before. So if you have a team, just let me know and we'll kick a ball about."

Current Barca star Andres Iniesta revealed this week that he remembers the time he spent with Riquelme fondly, and the former Villarreal star was quick to return the compliment.

"Andres is a good guy. I was there when he made his debut at Barcelona when he was only 16. I used to hang around with him a lot during my time there.

"I have a lot of admiration for him. It makes me happy that Iniesta remembers me."