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Maradona Denies Rift With Real Madrid Striker Gonzalo Higuain
'El Pibe de Oro' denied claims that Gabriel Heinze had advised him to snub the attacker.
Aug 14, 2009 9:32:20 AM
Diego Maradona, the coach of the Argentine national team, denied claims that Gabriel Heinze has influence his decision to continue to overlook Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.
Maradona affirmed that this wasn't the motive why 'Pipita' hasn't been given an opportunity with Argentina, despite his good form for Real Madrid.
"I swear it on my grandson Benjamin," said Maradona, whose Argentina side defeated Russia 3-2 in an intense friendly match in Moscow on Wednesday.
Maradona explained that a supposed conflict between him and Higuain doesn't exist, and that it was former team-mate Heinze who introduced him to Higuain in the airport of Barajas.
"Afterwards Pipita left him a message on the telephone to thank him for the gesture. The Gringo and I have never spoken about the issue, I swear it," insisted the coach.
"Saying that the Gringo has informed me badly about Higuain is only to stir trouble. The Gringo doesn't want to influence me in anything. The day I consider that Pipa Higuain should be in the national team I will call him. I have no problems. But for now it is impossible. I have Diego Milito, I have Lisandro [Lopez], and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi," explained Maradona.
Gregory Sica, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage!
Maradona affirmed that this wasn't the motive why 'Pipita' hasn't been given an opportunity with Argentina, despite his good form for Real Madrid.
"I swear it on my grandson Benjamin," said Maradona, whose Argentina side defeated Russia 3-2 in an intense friendly match in Moscow on Wednesday.
Maradona explained that a supposed conflict between him and Higuain doesn't exist, and that it was former team-mate Heinze who introduced him to Higuain in the airport of Barajas.
"Afterwards Pipita left him a message on the telephone to thank him for the gesture. The Gringo and I have never spoken about the issue, I swear it," insisted the coach.
"Saying that the Gringo has informed me badly about Higuain is only to stir trouble. The Gringo doesn't want to influence me in anything. The day I consider that Pipa Higuain should be in the national team I will call him. I have no problems. But for now it is impossible. I have Diego Milito, I have Lisandro [Lopez], and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi," explained Maradona.
Gregory Sica, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage!
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