Chivas USA came real close to securing the star player that their fans have been yearning for during their recent stretch of playoff futility in MLS.
Argentine star midfield Juan Román Riquelme was set to become the face of Chivas USA and follow his compatriot, Carlos Bianchi, who was to take over the coaching reins.
However, Bianchi has since taken over at Boca Juniors in Argentina and Chivas USA proceeded to name Mexico native José Luis Sánchez Solá as manager.
At least that's the story that Riquelme himself revealed to Argentine outlet TyC Sports on Saturday (listen to the Spanish-language radio interview here at the 1:30 mark).
“Ten days before [Bianchi] went to Boca, he invited me to his house to go with him to Los Angeles because he was going to be coach of Chivas in Los Angeles," Riquelme said. "And I told him that I’d be going to Los Angeles with him and that there was no problem [on my end]. And then 10 days later, he came to an agreement with Boca.”
Riquelme has been linked to MLS clubs in the past, but a move to Chivas USA could have potentially proven a game-changer in the fortunes of the Goats, who have failed to make the playoffs for three years running.
That's not to say it can't still happen. In fact, the headlines in Argentina are revolving around Riquelme reiterating his "no" to re-join Boca Juniors as a player.
Riquelme did make this much clear: It will be difficult to see him play again in Argentina. Which potentially leaves MLS in the mix.
