Boca fans plead with Riquelme to stay with club

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Thousands of Boca Juniors fans turned out across Argentina on Monday, waving blue and yellow club flags and pleading with midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme to stay with the famous Buenos Aires club.

The 34-year-old Riquelme shocked fans last week after Boca lost the final of the Copa Libertadores, saying he had nothing left to give to the club and was stepping away. Several South American clubs immediately showed interest in signing him including Brazil side Flamengo and Tigre of Argentina.

About two dozen groups of fans gathered across the country, the largest of which took place at Boca's Bombonera stadium.

Riquelme gave no indication on Monday that he had changed his mind. Riquelme's departure is thought to be linked to differences over playing tactics he has with Boca Juniors coach Julio Cesar Falcioni.

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