Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme proves that class is permanent after showing he has still very much got it while playing in a Villarreal Legends match.
The 44-year-old, who amassed over 100 appearances for the Spanish club and earned 51 caps for his country, took to the field at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday alongside a whole host of former Villarreal stars including Marcos Senna, Diego Forlan, and Arsenal icon Robert Pires.
They went up against a Spain Legends team featuring the likes of Juanfran, Ivan Campo and Fernando Morientes.
And it was the latter side who came out on top on the day, edging out the Yellow Submarine by a single goal scored by former Celta Vigo striker Catanha.
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However, it was Riquelme, donning his famous number eight shirt, who stole the show, producing several standout moments of effortless skill.
The pick of the bunch was a sublime, defence-splitting no-look pass that would have even the finest footballing technicians drooling.
The reception of the crowd in the stadium, whose roar seemed to intensify as Riquelme worked his magic, was clearly echoed by those watching from elsewhere as the clip quickly went viral online.
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And several fans took to social media to express their admiration for arguably one of the most underrated players of the modern era.
“They don’t make them like Juan anymore,” one Twitter user wrote.
Another added: “Loved to watch him play, he really was a top class player and baller.”
While a third posted: “Riquelme didn’t love football. Football loved Riquelme.”
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The nonchalant playmaker even went close to bagging a goal himself – one that would have befitted his performance.
Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, he bamboozled a defender with some dazzling footwork before firing a right-footed shot just wide of the post.
He retired from professional football in 2015 but, eight years later, Riquelme remains a case in point that, when you’re that good, you never quite lose it.
Topics: Argentina, Villarreal, Spain
George Nash