Riquelme’s emotional speech at La Bombonera, with a special tribute to Maradona

Juan Román Riquelme put the finishing touch to the film of his life as a footballer. This Sunday, in a full Bombonera, the Xeneize idol finally had his tribute match, surrounded by great glories of the club with which he was champion of the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup, and former teammates of the Argentine National Team, among them, Lionel Messi.En the closing of the party, the 10 took stood in the center of the court, He took the floor and began by saying that in 1996, when he arrived in Boca, he entered “the most beautiful movie that can happen to a person.” Then he mentioned his references when he was a boy, such as Beto Márcico, Maradona and Manteca, with whom he ended up sharing the blue and gold shirt. One of the most emotional points was when he spoke to each of the three coaches who marked him with fire during his career, and who were present at the celebration: José Pekerman, Alfio “Coco” Basile and Carlos Bianchi, whom he “blamed” for making fans believe that “winning the Copa Libertadores is very easy”. “The fault is yours. That people are fond of us is because the Lord taught us to compete, to be better. I just have to say thank you. I love him very much, I feel part of his family. Another special moment occurred when Riquelme mentioned Diego Maradona and Messi, the two most important players in the history of football, and whom he had as teammates in Boca and the National Team, respectively. “A lot happened and I was lucky. I had to play with the greatest I saw when I was little, which was Maradona,” he said. At that moment, La Bombonera exploded and the former captain put on a Boca shirt with Diego’s name on the back. He continued: “When I was little, it was the biggest thing I saw. Then time went by, I got older and I was lucky that I played with someone incredibly great (Lionel Messi). I don’t know if they are bigger than Maradona, but they are the two greatest I saw in my life. It’s wonderful to have him here today. I know, dwarf, that you had to go on vacation, I apologize to your family that you had to stay a few more days. Grateful that you always said yes. Being lucky enough to have you here is unforgettable. I hope you had a good time. I love you so much.” Without being able to hide his emotion, Riquelme dedicated the closing of his speech to the fans and thanked him for all the love they give him. “As a kid I dreamed of being a footballer nothing more. I can’t get that much love from all of you. Football gave me too much. My dad made me a bostero and I know I’m going to die bostero. Just say thank you. Every day that I wake up I ask God that we can continue to have this relationship, this respect. Without you I could not live. I love you very much. Thank you very much,” he said.

Original source in Spanish