Juan Roman Riquelme has told Boca Juniors he will not be returning to the club, despite turning up for the first day of pre-season training.
The 34-year-old was rumoured to be contemplating a return to the Buenos Aires side after his old coach Carlos Bianchi was re-appointed.
The former Villarreal midfielder was present as the team met up for their first pre-season training session on Saturday, but only to confirm he will not go back on his decision to leave the Xeneizes.
“I thought it was normal to come to the club on the first day of pre-season training, but I am just here to communicate that I cannot change my decision,” he said.
“I spoke with the president and with Carlos Bianchi, I told them I had made a decision and that it was too complicated to change it. I love this club and Boca will always be my club, but I am a man of my word.”
Reports also suggest the two parties were close to agreeing a new deal, but talks broke down over some of the financial issues within the contract.
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