ARGENTINA coach Diego Maradona has hit back at Alfio Basile`s claim that players only appear for the national team because they are forced to do so.
Maradona`s predecessor, who resigned in October after losing 1-0 to Chile in Santiago, believed players had no love for international competition, saying: "They have to travel a lot and a lot of them only play for the national team as an obligation."
Speaking at a charity event organised by Javier Zanetti's foundation, Maradona insisted his players were proud to wear the national shirt.
"I would not permit anybody to say that," he said.
"When I was a player, I was very proud of playing for Argentina. My players will play for the honour of wearing this glorious shirt."
Maradona also confirmed he will travel to Europe to talk to players in the frame for the February 11 friendly against France in Marseille.
Speaking at a charity event organised by Javier Zanetti's foundation, Maradona insisted his players were proud to wear the national shirt.
"I would not permit anybody to say that," he said.
"When I was a player, I was very proud of playing for Argentina. My players will play for the honour of wearing this glorious shirt."
Maradona also confirmed he will travel to Europe to talk to players in the frame for the February 11 friendly against France in Marseille.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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