Walter Erviti’s confession on Riquelme’s resignation before the Copa Libertadores final against Corinthians

That controversial phase that had as its protagonist Juan Roman Riquelme before and after the defeat in the final of Copa Libertadores 2012 against Corinthiansit had not been clarified to date by any player. Walter Erviti, part of the team defeated 2 to 0 at Pacaembú in San Pablo, broke his silence and declared that “we didn’t know anything before the final”.

The tense relationship between Riquelme and the then Boca coach, Julio César Falcioni, knew each other. However, from a sporting point of view they did not fare badly, with the unbeaten title in the 2011 Apertura Tournament and with great performances from Román, even if he arrived injured at the end. But what triggered the coexistence of the team (players and technical staff) was when a few hours before the rematch against Timao in Brazil (it had been 1-1 at the Bombonera) the hitch declared that it would be his “last final”and hinted that he would be leaving the club.

After 12 years, Erviti spoke to ESPN: “We didn’t have any kind of information nor had he spoken to us“ and added bluntly: “We were used to the rumors that spread, spread and will always spread around Román for what he means for Boca“.

At the time it was speculated that there was an intern on the roster who divided the players. There were those who were loyal to Riquelme and those who were on the coach’s side. The version had been installed in the media, but The protagonists have always denied it.

“Boca always has rumors. We had already learned it and were aware of it, but it didn’t affect us as far as the 90 minutes were concerned. I’m honest with you, I’ve spoken about Román many times and I do it with a lot of respect because I’ve always said the things I say to him.”said Erviti.

He also made it clear that any further speculation will not hamper the team’s performance, especially in an American final. “Román, before the matches, is a very special person when he starts to live it and feel it. The way he conveys it to you, the way he leads, the way he’s the dominant voice in the locker room and talks when he steps on the field… and he was the same as always, so there was no way to assume he was something strange is happening“, explained the former Mar del Plata footballer.

Falcioni had already said it “We lost that final before playing it, there were many things in the lead up to it“ and put his finger on the sore spot. “We played that final with the belief that we were capable of competing against a great team.”Erviti underlined.

“On the one hand I thank God for giving me the opportunity to play it, because it is a wonderful experience; On the other hand I asked him why he allowed me to lose him, what is the lesson he wants to teach me. It’s one of the best feelings I’ve had of being so close to something and yet so far away.”, expanded the memory of the remembered confrontation against the Corinthians.