Former Argentine international, Ariel Ortega, stated to the local press that he is fed up and on the verge of announcing his retirement. Ortega has been a shadow of his former self at River Plate this season and asked Leonardo Astrada to be left out of last Sunday´s Apertura championship game against Lanus.
Sources close to the player affirmed that he is ´´sad, with low morale and without motivation to play (top level) football.´´
Despite moments of genius in recent years, Ortega has failed to rediscover his top form, and this is another reason why he may be depressed.
In the recent superclasico draw with Boca Juniors Ortega missed a penalty kick, after a weak effort.
Ortega´s previous stint with River was more successful, however, the player was sent to second division side Independiente Rivadavia by then coach Diego Simeone. The purpose of this was to cure his alcohol addiction.
´´I´m not happy, I´m going,´´ Ortega told Astrada before returning home from training on Friday.
Although his intention is to retire from football, Ortega could be provided with a place on the bench against Newell´s Old Boys on Saturday.
Last month Argentina national team coach, Diego Maradona, stated that he had Ortega in his plans for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Gregory Sica
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This guy should have retired ages ago- river suck for signing him
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ortega needs to go to qatar, to make more cash and drink wine with the pharaoh. He is a great player but more suited for a lower level team than river these days.
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were drugs or alcohol his problem? I think the later
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what a waste, although he is old anyway 35 or somthing
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It is true, River aren´t what they used to be. They should get rid of every single player, especially Fabbiani. What did that fat guy ever do??? I don´t get it, he scored 2 goals for Lanus and River sign him? Give me a break
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