Diego Maradona admits he is "deeply hurt" that supporters from his favourite club Boca Juniors labeled him a traitor.
Thousands of Boca fans held up posters in support of Juan Román Riquelme during the team's 3-0 win over Argentinos Juniors at the weekend.
One such poster read: "Riquelme, Boca idol. Maradona, national team idol and traitor."
The Los Bosteros faithful turned on their former hero after his spat with Boca favourite Riquelme.
The playmaker has recently retired from international football, claiming El Diez was the reason behind his decision.
This led to uproar at La Bombonera as Boca fans shunned the Albiceleste coach.
"The fact that somebody called me a traitor hurt me in the heart," Maradona told Radio Mitre. "But I can't do anything about it.
"I don't blame the supporters, they have the right to support whoever they want.
"I can't do absolutely anything about it apart from continuing on my way.
"I've explained that I wanted Riquelme in my team but they have seen it the way they choose to see it.
"I know what I have given to Boca, and how much I like Boca, and this won't change my opinion no matter what they say."
Despite this, Maradona affirmed that he will return to La Bombonera in the future.
He added: "If my daughter Dalma would like to attend a match, I will go with her.
"I don't have absolutely anything against the people of Boca. The last thing I would do in my life would be to get angry with the Boca public."
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Thousands of Boca fans held up posters in support of Juan Román Riquelme during the team's 3-0 win over Argentinos Juniors at the weekend.
One such poster read: "Riquelme, Boca idol. Maradona, national team idol and traitor."
The Los Bosteros faithful turned on their former hero after his spat with Boca favourite Riquelme.
The playmaker has recently retired from international football, claiming El Diez was the reason behind his decision.
This led to uproar at La Bombonera as Boca fans shunned the Albiceleste coach.
"The fact that somebody called me a traitor hurt me in the heart," Maradona told Radio Mitre. "But I can't do anything about it.
"I don't blame the supporters, they have the right to support whoever they want.
"I can't do absolutely anything about it apart from continuing on my way.
"I've explained that I wanted Riquelme in my team but they have seen it the way they choose to see it.
"I know what I have given to Boca, and how much I like Boca, and this won't change my opinion no matter what they say."
Despite this, Maradona affirmed that he will return to La Bombonera in the future.
He added: "If my daughter Dalma would like to attend a match, I will go with her.
"I don't have absolutely anything against the people of Boca. The last thing I would do in my life would be to get angry with the Boca public."
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
