The midfielder initially rejected the possibility of returning, but his departure from Villarreal and a key negotiation ended up sealing his return.
February 18, 2007, Juan Román Riquelme returned to La Bombonera To get the shirt again Boca Juniorsclub he had left in 2002 to begin his stage in Europe. The news was a dream come true for fans, but The return was marked by many inconveniences and challenges that almost prevent it. The midfielder was going through a complicated situation in Villarreal and accepted the offer, although only for a short period.
While the fans kept hope alive, the circumstances that surrounded the negotiation were difficult and were about to prevent sleep. From the first rejection to several proposals from foreign institutions, the player’s return was full of uncertainties until an understanding between managers and a player’s position allowed everything to be realized.
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Obstacles prior to Riquelme’s return to Boca: from his initial refusal to European club offers
In the summer of 2007, the possibility of seeing Juan Román Riquelme again with Boca’s shirt became a recurring theme, but it was not easy to specify. The player, who had already had experiences in Barcelona and shone in Villarreal, was distancing from the directive and the coaching staff of “yellow submarine”. In the midst of that tension, His future was uncertain. However, the rumors about his return to the Argentine team were quickly discarded by him, who made it clear that I had no intention of returningat least in the short term, as they proposed from the Xeneize institution.
The situation in Spain seemed increasingly complicated, but the midfielder He kept his refusal to leave Europe. Despite the inconveniences, the player rejected the first loan offers. In that context, other teams, such as Bayern Munich and a Qatar club, began to show interest in signing it. The possibility of joining these giants seemed more attractive than a return to the Bombonera for just a few months. However, the circumstances changed rapidly, and Riquelme’s situation in Villarreal ended up being unsustainable.
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How Riquelme’s loan and its impact on the history of Boca Juniors
While the panorama was unfavorable for the Argentine team, the circumstances changed quickly and Riquelme’s stage in Villarreal ended up being unsustainable. It was then that the leaders of Boca, headed by Mauricio Macri, decided to act. After several negotiation rounds with Fernando Roig, president of the Spanish team, The midfielder’s loan for a few months. The initial proposal contemplated a salary of six million pesos during that time, a figure that the player accepted, but with The condition that coach Miguel Russo supported his return. It was Russo himself who approved to incorporate the idol, making it clear that he would receive it with open arms.
The agreement was a breakdown. What initially seemed an impossible dream for fans, came true. Although various options circulated, such as a signing for Bayern Munich or an eventual arrival in Belgrano de Córdoba, it was the love for the Xeneize and the impossibility of continuing in the Spanish institution that ended up tilting the balance.
The impact of his return was swift. In a few months, Riquelme led the team to glory by winning the Copa Libertadores 2007. That trophy, the sixth in the history of the club in the continental contest, consolidated his figure as an idol and left an indelible mark on the history of Boca Juniors.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
