No return for Riquelme

Still no room for on-form Argentine

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 18th October 2007

Riquelme

Riquelme: No way back

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Villarreal insist they have no new plans to bring Juan Roman Riquelme back into the first-team fold, despite his tremendous showings for Argentina.

The past week has seen Riquelme inspire his country to victories over Chile and Venezuela - but despite his form - Villarreal show few signs of going back on their decision not to use him.

Riquelme had a very public falling out with coach Manuel Pellegrini, which saw him sent on loan to Boca Juniors.

He returned to Spain this summer as Boca could not afford a permanent deal, but a move to Atletico Madrid fell through and he was left to try and fight for his place with the Yellow Submarines.

However, Pellegrini looks to have little intention of using Riquelme again.

No going back

"We took a decision some time ago and our policy is very clear," club director Juan Manuel Llaneza explained.

"We hope that in December the player and the club can find a dignified solution to all this.

"At the moment we haven't received any offers for the player, but I'm sure they will come in December.

"I don't think Roman has anything to prove to anyone. We all know he is a great player, we never doubted that.

"I think the time has come for Roman to finish at Villarreal, but if that doesn't happen he will carry on getting paid his salary and training according to the instructions of the coach in case he is ever needed.

"The team is very strong at the moment and I don't think the situation has affected them very much."