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Riquelme

Apparently he would like to test himself in the Premier League after playing for a small fee to please the fans at Boca.

His comments below relate to the kind of club he would like to join!

Sounds like Everton would be his best choice. Sign him up: 31, free transfer and a great player.

"In precise words, Riquelme has said that in terms of going to a club like Manchester United, it wouldn't really be an attraction to him because if he goes there they could win the Champions League - they've already done it - or they win the FA Cup - they've already done it.
"He wants to go to a club where he's going to make a mark."

Gary Tudor, Shropshire Posted 15/06/2010 at 18:36:31

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Lee Kidd
1 Posted 15/06/2010 at 23:42:45

Definitely doesn't fit into the Moyes ethic - too old, too "luxury". Don't necessarily think that myself, but I wouldn't pin any hopes on Riquelme playing in a shocking pink shirt this year.

Kevin Gillen
2 Posted 15/06/2010 at 23:44:41

Please oh please oh please sign Riquelme - the man is poetry in motion.

Brendan O'Doherty
3 Posted 16/06/2010 at 00:33:30

That doesn't sound like a Riquelme quote, as he's talking in the 3rd person. Is this not his agent trying to get him a lucrative contract?

Moyesy tried to get him 6 years ago when he was in his pomp, but it's doubtful if he is still poetry in motion. Our central midfield is excellent — we need wide players. Couldn't see it happening.

Brendan O'Doherty
4 Posted 16/06/2010 at 00:58:14

From his agent in today's Stun:

"There are at least four other English clubs in the equation, but the location of London, the challenge at West Ham and working besides the likes of Scott Parker and Thomas Hitzlsperger have been very important factors in him considering the move.
"Right now, we think the best option, the most likely, and the one he's most interested in is West Ham.
"For a foreign player of Riquelme's magnitude, the lure of London is always going to be a deciding factor.
"So unless Arsenal come in, the most likely destination and the one Riquelme would be most interested in is West Ham."

That's the end of that then.

Chad Schofield
5 Posted 16/06/2010 at 07:32:16

Might have well put:

"Athletic mature Argentinian seeks pastures new, preferably London, for one last big pay day. Will bum Scott Parker for cash."

Sam Hoare
6 Posted 16/06/2010 at 07:46:01

Would be exciting to see a player of his caliber but suspect that a few poetic moments aside he would not be able to handle the pace of a Premier League season.

Plus as already stated, he's not what we need in a positional sense.

James Cadwaladr
7 Posted 16/06/2010 at 08:35:59

This quote was directly and specifically with regards to West Ham and is from his agent who was justifying why he wanted to sign for West Ham rather than a bigger club. He also stated how much he wanted to be in London.

Steve Hopkins
8 Posted 16/06/2010 at 09:21:42

He will fit in perfectly at the West Ham circus, I'd wager that within 2 months those clowns Gold and Sullivan will be bitching about him and his ever expanding gut.

My only wish would be that Gold and Sullivan decide to take over the red shite as I think those two are a class act. If you believe them (you'd have to be pretty stupid) they'll have half of the Barcelona team playing for West Ham next season!!

Alex Kociuba
9 Posted 16/06/2010 at 09:26:46

Every bloody year this same discussion. Moutinho tomorrow?

Alan Clarke
10 Posted 16/06/2010 at 09:57:04

I thought we'd already signed him. There's a guy from Sky Sports still stood outside Goodison waiting.

Alex, add Fernandes to that list.

Michael Evans
11 Posted 16/06/2010 at 10:07:34

After years/decades of trying, aren't we about to sign Gheorghe Hagi?

James Stewart
12 Posted 16/06/2010 at 10:48:55

Steve @8 just about sums it up for me. He would fit perfectly into their "circus". He is not the player they need as I doubt he would be up for a relegation battle which is what they will certainly get again.

As for Riquelme. Wonderful player in his day but that day is now past. He is a shadow of the player he once was.

Forlan on the other hand is itching to get back to the Premier League. 31 but still top class.

Steve Hopkins
13 Posted 16/06/2010 at 10:54:50

Michael, I'd love to see Hagi in an Everton shirt— even now... he can't be any less effective than Gazza was and surely still in better shape!

Richard Parker
14 Posted 16/06/2010 at 11:08:49

At last.... the summer Riquelme post.

The World Cup must be crap.

Jalil Noor
15 Posted 16/06/2010 at 12:56:42

I think Hitzlsperger would do a better job then Riquelme. Both are or were free agents.

Michael Evans
16 Posted 16/06/2010 at 13:14:47

I am glad that we didn't get Hitzlsperger because of the cost of getting his name put on the shirt

Mind you, heard the rumour about us going for Jan Vennegor of Hesselink ...

Joe McMahon
17 Posted 16/06/2010 at 20:44:34

Hitzlsperger would have been a good move, as usual like Niko Kranjcar we haven't moved quick enough.

As for Riquelme, we have been signing him for the last 3 season's just like we did with Arshavin.

Let's face it, the glamour and lure of London is always going to beat the deprivation of Walton, and let's face it, even the North (eg. Joe Cole)

Joe McMahon
18 Posted 16/06/2010 at 20:54:28

Peanuts signing a new contract is just like having a new signing!!

Mark McDonald
19 Posted 16/06/2010 at 22:20:15

Riquelme is a fantastic player and a player I would love to see at Goodison as I am sure most fans would but I do not think Moyes will buy him. We have Arteta who is a similar playmaker and with Bily, Rodwell, Pienaar (hopefully), Fellaini and Osman our midfield is solid. Although there is always room for a player with his talent. Great to see it but doubtful it shall happen.

Mark Pierpoint
20 Posted 16/06/2010 at 22:39:08

Oh come on, Mark!!! He is going to be well past it now. We all know how important pace is in our game, what honestly is a washed up Riquelme going to do?

Arteta has skill but also a sky high workrate. Ditto Pienaar. Do you think Riquelme will be tracking back, putting in a shift?

Lets be honest, i will be glad if he goes to WHU. They will be in a relegation fight and the last thing you need with one of those is a luxury player like Riquelme.

Lee Kidd
21 Posted 16/06/2010 at 22:58:50

Bit surprised at the comments here... Although I massively doubt we'd be interested in Riquelme, saying he's past it is an overstatement.

You don't need massive pace when you have a brain on the pitch - he finds space with ease, and his strength has never been blistering speed; it's been his ability to drift, receive the ball and play a blinder of a pass.

He could play at a decent level for another three or four years — but NOT in the Premier League. Not because of the pace, but because of the physicality.

He'd still be a top acquisition for most sides hanging around 4th/5th in all of Europes major leagues. If I were in charge of West Ham, I'd consider him if his wages were in check on a one year contract.

John Daley
22 Posted 17/06/2010 at 01:05:22

Ah, the annual Riquelme rumours. Personally, I'm still wondering where the fuck Vagner Love's got to.

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