© EuroFootball.com
Last week, Villarreal goalkeeper Juan Roman Riquelme, who could have become a hero, but missed a crucial 11-meter penalty in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, admitted that he has not recovered from the failure, but he has no intention of leaving the team this summer.
Earlier, there were reports in the press that the Argentine, who has been in great athletic shape this season, could move to one of the powerful teams on another continent after this season. The most realistic contender to buy J.R.Riquelme was identified as a club led by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking about the events of the past week, the footballer told journalists: "I always feel bad when we lose. I am responsible for taking the 11-meter penalties, but it is a lottery - sometimes you score, sometimes you don't. Nevertheless, I am proud of the team and what we have achieved, as this Champions League campaign has been simply amazing.
"We deserve respect for our results. Everyone playing in this league wants to reach the final, and we were so close, even though we didn't have as well-assembled a team as some of our opponents.
"I hope I can continue to help the club grow, as it's hard to believe what we've accomplished over the past three years."
Indeed, next season, Villarreal may only have to play in the Spanish championship - at the moment the club is in 10th place in the domestic league and is four points behind the team in sixth. It is this position that guarantees the last ticket to next year's UEFA Cup competition.
