Riquelme makes Argentinean return
Riquelme is a precise passer
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Thursday, 21, Jun 2007 09:26
Argentinean midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has been included in the national squad for the forthcoming Copa America.
The 28-year, who has been plying his trade at Boca Juniors since January after falling out with his Spanish club coach Manuel Pellegrini at Villarreal, forms part of the 22-man squad for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football last September.
The mercurial talent, citing his mother's ill-health for his below-par performances at the 2006 World Cup, retired for the same reason last year when he should have been approaching the peak of his powers.
Since returning to his home country in the January transfer window, the former Barcelona player seems to have rekindled his ability.
In the five months since returning to his first club, Riquelme has scored eight times from midfield, including both goals as he inspired Boca Juniors to the South American Copa Libertadores on Wednesday evening against Gremio.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also lauded Riquelme, identifiying him as one of the catalysts behind Villarreal's progress to the Champions League semi-final last year.
He dubbed him 'a quarterback' for his gift for finding runners with precise passes from deep-lying positions.
However, Villarreal general manager Jose Manuel Llaneza said the club had made it "clear" that Riquelme would not return to the club, despite labelling him "one of the top players in the world".