Former Boca and Barça star aims dig at CONMEBOL over Copa Libertadores final

December 4, 2018 By Oscar Rojas

Topics: Copa Libertadores, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Juan Roman Riquelme

The former playmaker added his voice to the ones who believe the game should have been played in South America.

CONMEBOL's decision of having the second leg of the Copa Libertadores played at Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been met with criticism, but Juan Román Riquelme did not hold back when asked about what it means to him to see the Superclásico being played abroad rather than on Argentine soil.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Mitre, Riquelme aimed harsh digs at CONMEBOL for being unable to organize the game in Argentina, following the incidents that took place on November 24 that caused the game to be postponed.

"The Superclásico can't always be played abroad. At some point you will have to play it in Argentina. Or will they take it to another South American country? They took the biggest game in history away from us," Riquelme said.

"Us Argentineans have just a few things that belong to us: roasts, mate, dulce de leche and the Superclásico. But they insisted on taking it away from us. It will not be the same," the player added.

The three-time Copa Libertadores winner with Los Xeneizes added one more reason to be disappointed about this decision, while taking one more swing at the South American authorities.

"I dreamt about watching Boca winning the title at River's stadium. I believed that they would respect that and carry on with their lives. I don't want my kids to get used to such scenarios. Now, as much as I'd love Boca to win the title, the tournament should have been played in Argentina. Those that will watch the game live will witness the most expensive friendly game in history," Riquelme concluded.