Argentina´s Riquelme won´t play under Maradona

Boca Juniors veteran playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has insisted he will not don the colours of Argentina again as long as Diego Maradona is coach.

“As long as Maradona is coach I will not return to the national side – we are not on the same wavelength,” Riquelme told Argentine television.

“It’s clear we cannot work together,” the 30-year-old insisted.

“The national side is over for me – I say that very clearly. I learned from the radio that I was not going to play against France (a February 11 friendly with the South Americans won 2-0 in Marseille). I have principles and they are not those of the coach,” Riquelme complained.

“It’s a shame to know I will miss the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and I wish the team all the best. If I go things would not be easy and I prefer that someone else goes in my place,” he added.

“I’m tired – I want to live in peace. It’s strange how things are in 2009 with all the criticism after an incredible 2008,” said Riquelme, who won Olympic gold last summer in Beijing.

Riquelme had already walked out on the national side in 2006 before returning under Alfio Basile.

Ironically, before Riquelme made his announcement, Maradona had indicated he wanted to call the player into the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Riquelme was angered last week when Maradona told Argentine television he had issues with the player’s current form.

“Riquelme, I need him in the final 20 metres so he can link with (Carlos) Tevez, (Sergio) Aguero and Lionel Messi and peel off an opponent. I like it when he uses his speed to spray around decisive passes and also get on the scoresheet. If he’s not doing that he is of no use to me,” Maradona said.

Two-time world champions Argentina currently trail South American qualifying group leaders Paraguay by seven points and Brazil by one point, although they are well-placed to take one of four slots for the finals.