Maradona has withdrawn from the Argentina national team: I was betrayed © EuroFootball.com

Former coach of the Argentina national team, Diego Maradona, accused the country's Football Association (AFA) of "lies and betrayal".

According to the legendary footballer, the national team manager Carlos Bilardo did everything during his time to ensure that Maradona would not remain in his position.

He also accused AFA president Julio Grondona of lying about negotiations concerning the future of the team.

"I gave everything, everything," Maradona said. "But Grondona lied to me. Bilardo betrayed me.

"When we lost to Germany in the quarter-finals, Bilardo did everything behind the scenes to have me fired. Grondona said in front of everyone in the dressing room that despite the failure, he was pleased with my work and wanted me to continue."

"However, things began to change when I returned to Argentina. When I met with Grondona, he repeated that he wanted to see me as coach, but seven technical staff members had to leave. This practically meant that he wanted to fire me. It is impossible for me to work without my colleagues."