Juan Román Riquelme Pays Tribute to Diego Maradona in Emotional Speech

In His Final Speech, Riquelme Pays Tribute to Maradona

Eight and a half years after retiring and now serving as the Vice President of Boca Juniors, Juan Roman Riquelme experienced his tribute match with pure emotion. The representative team of Xeneize defeated the Argentine team, which included world champions Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni, Angel Di Maria, and Leandro Paredes (who changed his shirt in the second half). However, the result was merely an anecdote. Before, during, and after the match, there were moments of deep nostalgia and sentiment, along with impressive displays of talent from the stars in a packed Bombonera.

Following the exhibition match, amidst the hugs and congratulations, a massive cake adorned with the colors of Boca and candles appeared in the middle of the field. The initials JRR were displayed on the cake, which had two recipients. This Saturday, the 24th, both Roman and Messi celebrated their birthdays (45 and 36, respectively). The entire stadium joined in singing the birthday song. The moment was then crowned with a spectacular fireworks display.

In Riquelme’s heartfelt final speech, he expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family. He also had touching words for La Pulga (Messi) and Diego Maradona, with whom he had a complex relationship. “From the first game to the last, I was fortunate to receive applause. I have been lucky to play with the greatest player I saw as a child, which was Maradona,” he said. Riquelme surprised everyone by wearing an auriazul shirt with the word Maradona on the number, reminiscent of Diego himself at his farewell in 2001. The ovation was so overwhelming that he had to cut his speech short. He passionately declared, “He is worth ten green sticks, his name is Maradona.”

“Then time passed, I got older, but I was lucky enough to play with someone incredibly great. I don’t know if it’s more than Maradona, I don’t know if it’s less, but I was lucky to play with both of them. I know Dwarf that you had to go on vacation, I apologize to your family that had to stay a couple more days, for all the Bosteros having you here is unforgettable. I hope you had a great time. I love you very much,” Riquelme dedicated to Messi.

Several players with roots in River Plate participated in the tribute, establishing friendships and respect with Riquelme. For example, Lucho Gonzalez, whom one of his sons called Roman, and Javier Saviola. Pablo Aimar, the Sub 20 world champion alongside Riquelme in Malaysia ’97, was also part of the albiceleste cast. Scaloni’s field assistant in the team established in Qatar, Aimar had fun and even joked in the locker room.

During an interview with Sofia Martinez, a journalist from Public TV, in the dressing room, she noticed two flip flops with the colors blue and gold in Aimar’s locker. This led to an unforgettable exchange:

-I see that you have flip flops, I don’t want to get into controversy, it was never my intention.

-No, they are there, they are there.

-Are you going to wear them?

-No, no. Today I take a shower with booties, ha.

And with that, Aimar closed the scene by playfully running his feet.

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Juan Roman Riquelme, the former Boca Juniors player and current Vice President of the club, paid tribute to Diego Maradona in his final speech during a tribute match. The match saw the representative team of Boca Juniors defeat the Argentine team, with notable players such as Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. However, the result of the match was overshadowed by the nostalgic and sentimental moments throughout the event. After the match, a cake was brought out to celebrate the birthdays of Riquelme and Messi, with the entire stadium joining in singing the birthday song. In his speech, Riquelme expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family, and spoke fondly of both Messi and Maradona. He surprised everyone by wearing a shirt with Maradona’s name on the number, reminiscent of Maradona’s farewell in 2001. Riquelme’s speech was met with overwhelming applause and he concluded by declaring, “He is worth ten green sticks, his name is Maradona.”

What was the significance of Juan Roman Riquelme’s tribute to Diego Maradona during the Boca Juniors tribute match?

Juan Roman Riquelme’s tribute to Diego Maradona during the Boca Juniors tribute match held significant meaning for several reasons. Firstly, both Riquelme and Maradona are considered two of the greatest Argentine football players of all time, so the tribute was a symbol of respect and admiration from one legendary player to another.

Secondly, Riquelme and Maradona both have deep connections with Boca Juniors. Maradona started his professional career at Boca Juniors and is regarded as an icon of the club. Riquelme, on the other hand, also had a successful career at Boca Juniors, winning numerous domestic and international titles with the team. Therefore, Riquelme’s tribute was a way to honor Maradona’s legacy at the club and express his gratitude for the impact Maradona had on his own career.

Lastly, the tribute displayed the close friendship and personal bond between Riquelme and Maradona. Riquelme has publicly spoken about the admiration and respect he has for Maradona, considering him a mentor and someone he looks up to. The tribute served as a heartfelt farewell and a way for Riquelme to pay his final respects to his idol and friend.

Overall, Juan Roman Riquelme’s tribute to Diego Maradona during the Boca Juniors tribute match was significant because it represented the recognition of two football legends, celebrated Maradona’s legacy at Boca Juniors, and showcased the deep bond between Riquelme and Maradona.