River’s idol broke his silence concerning his controversial behavior and actions before and after last week’s game against Rosario Central. As you may recall, Ariel left the team’s training grounds after learning that he would be ‘benched’ due to his alcohol relapse. After today’s practice, he said that he would decide when to stop playing, and offered apologies to River’s president Daniel Passarella, coaches, and fans.
“If I can retire in River, I’ll do it here which is my idea. If that cannot be done, then I will do it somewhere else, but I will continue until I want to and not when I am told. If I leave, it will be very painful “said Ariel Ortega.” I have a contract until June and surely, I will continue to play football at a high level. I have no doubt about that,” he added.
“Both (Coach) Astrada and (Daniel) Passarella have every right to make the decision they want as the club needs to improve. I have always accepted everything the coaches have said. If I disrespected Leo (Astrada), Daniel (Passarella) or the fans, I apologize.”
Ortega also had a few words of appreciation for Coach Astrada: “We’ve known each other for many years, a lifetime, and I know the care he has for me, just like Daniel (Passarella). They are hurt by things that happen to me, and I’m grateful for how they have treated me.”
Finally, Ortega commented on his current situation: “I feel good and I am available to the coach when I am needed. If I do not do things right, I will not play. Things happened; the coach has a roster and I think that what he is doing is right.”
