Where will Riquelme go?
The best benchwarmer in the soccer world is six weeks away from freedom. The question is where will Juan Roman Riquelme go?
Riquelme is set to leave his nightmare situation at Villarreal during the next transfer window in January and top teams throughout Europe are lining up bids. Inter Milan and Juventus are near the front of the line while Atletico Madrid has long been interested in acquiring the Argentine playmaker.
So here's my question to you. Where would you like to see Riquelme go? Inter? Juve? Atletico Madrid? Tottenham? The Red Bulls? Share your thoughts below.
I would love to see him at the Red Bulls, but we know that isn't going to happen so I wouldn't mind seeing him end up at Tottenham providing service to their front line. As a Man Utd supporter I was hoping it would be Tottenham's year to break into the top four and knock out Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea, but we all know how that ended; maybe next year.
Posted by: Nick | November 20, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Seattle Sounders in 2008, Seattle MLS in 2009.
Posted by: Phil | November 20, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Riquelme is clearly a superlative player, but he currently resides in the stands at Villareal for some pretty solid reasons. He would be happy at Tottenham for about 30 seconds. He needs to go back to Boca Juniors.
Posted by: nathan3e | November 20, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Riquelme needs to stay away from the BPL, they won't appreciate won't he brings to the table. They want box-to-box midfielders who just run around for 90 minutes with heart.
I think La Liga is perfect for him, but I doubt Villarreal will sell him to another side in the league (unless the transfer fee is huge), I see him going to Juventus. Nedved is getting old already, he can come in and replace the aging star.
Posted by: Felix | November 20, 2007 at 10:56 AM
He should either go back to Boca, or go to Juve or AC Milan. AC Milan would be huge for him as he should still be able to be registered for the Champions League.
Posted by: Brian | November 20, 2007 at 10:57 AM
I would like to see him go to Real Madrid. 2 playmakers with quality of Robinho and Riquelme and then Guti off the bench would be electric.
Posted by: jkr | November 20, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Reports are that he Villareal and Boca are close to another agreement. He will wind up there. He is happiest there and plays some fantastic soccer for Boca.
O how I wish he would come to the Red Bulls.
Posted by: Connor | November 20, 2007 at 11:13 AM
This guy is special. Ok, obvious statement of the year. But, really, so many magic moments come from this guy's boots. He makes it looks so effortless and easy.
I say he goes to Inter, oozing class with Cambiasso. Oh man, what a lineup they would have. Definitely not to the EPL, please.
Posted by: EssEff | November 20, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Atleti. A club where he would fit in nicely with fellow Argentine Kun Aguero.
Posted by: Colchonero | November 20, 2007 at 11:35 AM
would someone mind giving me a very brief rundown as to why his situation has deteriorated and how likely those reasons are to crop up anywhere else besides Argentina.
Posted by: sidenetting | November 20, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I agree - Seattle in 2009.
Posted by: Luis | November 20, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Brief rundown: he's moody, like many geniuses.
Posted by: EssEff | November 20, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Chivas USA!! Honestly, he needs to go Serie A for his style of "pace." Boca would be cool, but then he'll never get any better.
Posted by: eastlachiva | November 20, 2007 at 11:43 AM
DC United - they've been in pursuit of Veron for a while now so why not step it up a level and go for Riquelme? He would be a perfect replacement for Christian Gomez if he decides to leave this offseason.
Posted by: Luis | November 20, 2007 at 11:49 AM
As an Interista, I would love to see him at the San Siro. A Viera - Riquelme - Stankovic - Cambiasso midfield would be pretty interesting.
Posted by: Marco | November 20, 2007 at 11:53 AM
I think that he will end up at Inter.
Posted by: Jeremy | November 20, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Brief rundown: He is indeed moody, but he also demonstrated repeatedly that he does not believe that all Villareal club rules should apply to him. He does not seem to have these problems in Argentina.
Marco - I am also an Inter supporter, but I am satisfied with Figo, Stankovic, Cambiasso, Cesar, Viera, Dacourt and Zanetti in the midfield. Jimenez and Solari can't even make the bench as it is and the Inter moody quotient is filled to the brim with Adriano.
Posted by: nathan3e | November 20, 2007 at 12:14 PM
No thanks, we're all set on highly paid bench-warming midfidlders.
Posted by: ct | November 20, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Riquelme is awesome to watch. And his free kicks are simply amazing. I really like watching him play. he's such a skilled player and the game is always good when he plays.
Posted by: Mike | November 20, 2007 at 12:43 PM
JUVENTUS!
Posted by: Soy United! | November 20, 2007 at 12:50 PM
I personaly think he may be going to Juventus. Juventus is back on the rise after a season in Serie B, and because of them being relegated last year for the match fixing scandal, they lost many of their stars. Therefore, I see them picking Riquelme up to try to replenish their star power and once again be a contender for some silverware.
Posted by: Andrew | November 20, 2007 at 12:52 PM
he needs to play 'sexy football'; but really, he should return to boca
Posted by: chrisLA | November 20, 2007 at 12:52 PM
RED BULLS!
And I hope that Schelotto opts out. When he does, Red Bulls can pick up his salary, with a portion of it being paid by Clint and his leave.
MORE ARGIES! NOW!
Posted by: Uncle Dave | November 20, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Juventus would be smart to get Riquelme. How would he fit in next to Nedved?
Posted by: eastlachiva | November 20, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Come on City! Step up! A pairing of Elano and Riquelme = Champions League!
...
(or it means we drop 6 places in the standings)
Posted by: Brandon | November 20, 2007 at 02:23 PM