MX23RW : Wednesday, May 15 18:21:05| >> :60:3083:3083:

Ex-Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme announces retirement

Attacking midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme announces retirement from football, aged 36.

Argentine midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has announced his retirement.

The 36-year-old played for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Villarreal and current side Argentinos Juniors, while he also won 51 caps for his national team.

It was expected that Riquelme would move to the MLS, but he has confirmed that his career has come to an end.

He told reporters: "I have decided to no longer play football. Now I am just a fan. I will go and suffer in the stadium. I am very pleased with the career I had. I enjoyed football to the maximum. I hope the people have enjoyed it alongside me. I tried to have a good time.

"I tried to give everything I could to fans of Boca, Argentina, Villarreal and Barcelona, in the youth teams and the full team. I am someone who makes decisions calmly, who thinks a lot. It's clear now that I'll be on holiday, I'll have fun, enjoy time with my children. From now on my football life ends and a new life starts. Let's see what it holds."

Riquelme was named Argentina's Player of the Year on four occasions, while he also played at the 2006 World Cup

ID:201469: cacheID:201469:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2173:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Michael Owen of England in action during the Euro 2008 Group E qualifying match between England and Estonia at Wembley Stadium on October 13, 2007
Read Next:
On this day: Late Owen double downs Argentina
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia35139133739-248
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca36715142941-1236
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!