Lavezzi and Maradona’s memory: the decision for the 2010 World Cup and the advice that “did a lot of good”

The former Argentine striker Ezequiel Lavezzi recalled the conversation he had with Diego Maradonaformer technical director of the ARGENTINE SELECTIONafter making the decision not to summon it to South Africa World Cup in 2010.

“He told me:” It hurts me to have left you outside’s. And I replied: `Diego, don’t worry, I’m still Argentine,” “revealed the “Pocho” in statements for European media.

The 39 -year -old Santa Fe played a total of 51 games with the “Albiceleste”, distributed among international friendlies, South American qualifiers, Copa América and World, in which he converted nine goals and distributed twelve assists.

“I had a good relationship with Maradona. I talked a lot to him, gave me many advice that I kept for me. They had to do with the human factor and they did a lot of good at certain times.”the former player added with Paso by San Lorenzo.

On the other hand, Lavezzi highlighted what it means to represent the national team – he called being runner -up of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil – and the similarities in how football is lived in Italy when he defended the colors of Napoli, the same team in which he played “Fluff.”

“Playing with the selection is the greatest pride. Naples and Argentina seem a lot how passion is lived,” he said. And added with respect to Lionel Messi: “Beyond the player, he is a humble, good and simple person. He is a friend”.

During his stage in Napoli (2007-2012), the “Pocho” played 188 games, scored 48 goals and gave 61 assists.

Along the same lines, he revealed: “I wanted to try to come to Naples because Diego played here. Those things happened and tried to manage them in the best way. Even today people give me love and make me feel loved. I try to do the same with them, because I also love them too.”