Riquelme: I Would Always Choose To Play Football

Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Román Riquelme has stated that he never considered another life outside of football and that if he was reborn he would still want to come back as himself.

Speaking after filming an advert for Adidas, Riquelme made it clear that football was the only route in life he ever considered and that he loves playing the game for living.

"This is what I dreamed of from when I was very small... it enchants me to live this life, it is wonderful and it has given me more than I could ever have hoped. For that reason if I could return to my birth I would still be Riquelme," he told Olé.

Although he always dreamed of playing football, Riquelme insisted that the fame that comes with it was never his primary motivation.

"No, it took a while for me to get used to people praising my ability. I know that I bring something unique to the football pitch when I play the game and that brings attention. In the time I have been a football player I avoided seeking out attention for myself."

He was asked whether he would like for his son to follow in his footsteps.

"Yes I would be happy... I have a five year old. If he want to play football then I would welcome it."

Riquelme explained the situation surrounding his return to Boca in January and confirmed that there had been interest in him from clubs in Germany and England.

"I was close to a move to Atlético Madrid earlier in the year, but it was not finalised. Later I could go to Germany or England, but I made the decision to come to Boca. I said to the Villarreal board that I would either stay there or go to Boca. Now I am at home, surrounded by the people I love.

"I did not imagine that I would be at Boca now. I knew clearly that I had a contract until June of 2009 in Europe and that later I would try to return. However, it was good that it did occur and I am now fulfilling a dream every day: in the matches and in training.

"Whenever I saw another player wearing the number ten shirt for Boca it felt wrong to me. It felt like the shirt had been lent out because it was mine. For that reason it makes me happy to wear that shirt in every match," he concluded.

Nick Dorrington
Goal.com