Riquelme quits

ARGENTINA playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme announced his international retirement on Wednesday at the age of 28, citing family reasons.

Riquelme, an elegant midfielder whose performances have split critics down the middle, said he had taken the shock decision because of his mother, who has been suffering from health problems. “Since the World Cup, my mother has been taken to hospital twice and my responsibility is to take care of her,” said Riquelme.”It was an easy decision to make.My family comes before the football,” said Riquelme, who captained the team which lost 3-0 to Brazil in a friendly this month, their first under new coach Alfio Basile.Supersoccer”Since the World Cup, my mother has been taken to hospital twice and my responsibility is to take care of her,” said Riquelme.”It was an easy decision to make.My family comes before the football,” said Riquelme, who captained the team which lost 3-0 to Brazil in a friendly this month, their first under new coach Alfio Basile.Supersoccer