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'I have nothing left to give' - Riquelme confirms Boca exit
Jul 5, 2012 9:35:00 AM
The mercurial playmaker feels his time at La Bombonera has reached its climax after failing to inspire the side to Copa Libertadores success against Corinthians on Thursday
| Bet: | Returns: | Newell's Old Boys £16.50 | Draw £35.00 | Boca Juniors £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Newell's Old Boys £17.00 | Draw £34.00 | Boca Juniors £48.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Newell's Old Boys £16.70 | Draw £34.00 | Boca Juniors £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Newell's Old Boys £16.70 | Draw £35.00 | Boca Juniors £50.00 |
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The Argentine giants succumbed to a 2-0 defeat by the hands of Corinthians, courtesy of an Emerson double, handing the Brazilians a maiden Copa Libertadores title, and casting doubt on the 34-year-old's future.
And, following talks with Boca president Daniel Angelici, the playmaker agreed the time had come for him to end his five-year stint in Buenos Aires, citing a need to recharge his batteries.
"This afternoon, I spoke with the president and informed him that I would not continue," he told reporters.
"I am very grateful to the club and the team, I know I am, but I have nothing left to give the club, I'm empty.
"The relationship I share with Boca is great, I'm a fan of this club but now I have reached the end of the road.
"Now I just want to go home, have a barbecue with my friends, see my children and greet them. All I ask is for forgiveness from my child that I could not win the cup again."
Riquelme then hinted that he would take a break from football for the foreseeable future, having revealed his exhaustion and anticipation at being in the company of close friends and relatives once more.
"I now need to go home and be with my family and friends," he added.
"If my friends want to see me and discuss where I will play next, I will do so on my games console but I cannot play any more [football right now].
"Like I said, I am empty and I have nothing more to give."
Riquelme, a former Argentina international, scored 29 goals in 153 league appearances for Boca during his second stint with the club.
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