Riquelme drops bombshell about playing Real Madrid with youth contract

Boca Juniors president and club legend Juan Román Riquelme has made a startling revelation about one of the most iconic moments in the Argentine club’s history.

Youth contract against the Galácticos

Riquelme has disclosed that when Boca defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the 2000 Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo, he was still playing on a youth team contract. The playmaker, who would later become one of the most celebrated Argentine footballers of his generation, remained on this modest deal from 1996 to 2002 despite being a key figure in the team’s success.

“Riquelme played six years with the contract of a youth player,” he stated in a recent interview with AZZ, clearly frustrated at how the club benefited financially from his loyalty.

This period was incredibly fruitful for both Riquelme and Boca, as they collected:

• 2 Copa Libertadores titles
• 1 Intercontinental Cup (against Real Madrid)
• Multiple domestic trophies

All while their star midfielder was reportedly on a bargain basement deal. Talk about getting your money’s worth!

Family ties and European stint

The former Barcelona and Villarreal maestro also shared a touching story about his father’s stance on his European adventure. Despite spending five and a half years across the pond at clubs including Barça, Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, Riquelme’s father never once watched him play in person during this time.

“My father told me if I went to Europe, he would never come to see me play, and he never did,” Riquelme explained. However, when the prodigal son returned to Boca in 2007, his dad didn’t miss a single home match.

Riquelme’s candid revelations come as he addresses critics in his current role as Boca Juniors president, demonstrating that his love for the club has remained constant throughout his career – even when perhaps it wasn’t in his best financial interest.

Not a bad career for a lad on youth wages, I’d say. Proper diamond geezer!