The Kirchnerist Juan Román Riquelme targeted those who criticize his management: "I am neither a thief nor corrupt"

The president of Boca Juniors, Juan Román Riquelme, reviewed the current state of the team, defended the transfer market, referred to the injury of Tomás Aranda, and made a strong defense after the elimination of the filter to enter La Bombonera. He also praised Lionel Messi.

Before the match against Vélez, Riquelme analyzed Boca's performance and considered that the team showed improvement after the match against Deportivo Riestra.

"Aside from the match with Lanús, we have been playing well, after Riestra we improved a lot. Today, football is being experienced with a lot of nerves, and it wasn't like that when I played, it seems that only winning matters," said the president of the Xeneize.

The transfer market and Boca's reinforcements

Riquelme also supported the work done during the transfer market and assured that there is satisfaction with the signings that joined the squad: "We are very happy with the market we had, the coach wanted Montero, and during the World Cup, we spoke with him, he wanted the right-back that he has now, he thought he needed a forward with Villa's qualities, and we were able to bring him in, and Valencia is a World Cup player."

The official also left open the possibility of adding another player if an opportunity arises before the transfer window closes.

The injury of Tomás Aranda and support for Alan Velasco

One of the points Riquelme addressed was the injury of Tomás Aranda, who suffered a fibula fracture and will be sidelined until 2027.

"Aranda is very good and his life changed in just a few months. He shared with Messi and the guys from the National Team, and that did him a lot of good, he came back and is more serious than at the beginning. We can't bring someone in every time a player gets injured because otherwise, we end up with 60 players," he stated.

He also highlighted the importance of Alan Velasco gaining confidence within the team: "He needs to trust himself more, people do despite sometimes hearing murmurs, and that's why they demand more from him."

Riquelme spoke about Boca Predio and Lautaro Bianco

The president also valued the work of the youth divisions and explained the importance of creating a close bond between the young players and the club.

"We try to make it a family, there are coaches who know the club, and we are lucky that the fans are more patient with the kids than with the seniors," he expressed.

Among the young players starting to emerge in the First Division is Lautaro Bianco, about whom Riquelme stated: "He is a skillful and fast attacker. I hope everything he shows in the youth and reserve he can show when the coach decides to put him in."

Riquelme's strong defense regarding the filter at La Bombonera

One of the most decisive moments was related to Boca's decision to eliminate the historic filter to enter the stadium.

In this regard, Riquelme stated: "I am not a thief or corrupt."

He then explained the purpose of the measure: "We try to do things as best as possible. It is a way for people who have had 10 subscriptions for many years to pass that list, so that those five can be used by another member, so that it is not sold."

In that context, he added: "Then they say that Riquelme resells. Recently a prosecutor said that Riquelme does not sell."

The president of Boca defended himself again against the accusations and stated: "Maria (Riquelme's mother) is clear that she has a son who is not a thief or corrupt."

He also emphasized: "The money I earned is enough for me to live well and for my family to live well. I am not happy with the nonsense they say, but Maria lives peacefully because the prosecutor says her son has nothing to do with it. For 20 years they have said nonsense, but Maria lives peacefully. It was done so that those who have the subscription and do not use it can let another member use it. In the last match, people came who hadn't come in a long time."

Riquelme praised Messi and spoke about his retirement

Finally, Boca's idol referred to Lionel Messi and lamented not having been able to share more time on the field with the captain of the Argentine National Team.

"He is unique and unrepeatable, I don't know if we will be lucky enough to find a player like him. If he is not the best of all time, he is very close. No player has been able to be the best for so many years," he acknowledged.