Farewell Riquelme

Argentina playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme waved goodbye to international football yesterday, citing that he needed to look after his mum's health, and that the Argentina shirt can never compare to his duties as a son.

While entirely noble, this news comes as a great loss to football fans worldwide. International football is a lesser sport without Riquelme, who is at his prime at 28. And though Argentina have an abundance of talent in his position, Riquelme brings to the game a certain class and nimble brilliance that few will ever know how to bring.

Argentina's captain will continue to play for his club side Villarreal, but something about this retirement reminds me of Marco Van Basten's truncated career. Let's all hope Mrs Riquelme Sr gets well and we'll all see a fit 32 year old Juan Roman in South Africa four years from now.

Please don't leave us just yet.

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