‘My desire is to continue leading Al Wasl’

Diego Maradona has hinted disagreements over transfer funds and targets with Al Wasl’s new hierarchy was the main reason behind his sacking at Zabeel Stadium. The Argentinian legend, 51, has replied to statements made by Wasl vice-chairman Mohammed bin Dukhan during a press conference on Wednesday evening with an open letter published on his official website.In it, he insists he never intended to cut short his two-year stay here and recent discussions over whom to buy and for how much eventually led to a parting of the ways. “It was always my desire to stay in this wonderful country that has welcomed me so well and I’m thankful to the Shaikh (club chairman, Shaikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum), in particular, for having received me and given me the opportunity to lead a team of the (United Arab) Emirates,” wrote Maradona in a segment on his website entitled: “I thank the Shaikh and Al Wasl.” “The reality is that in these last days, we were talking and trying to reach agreement on the purchase of the players required to achieve optimal results — championships — which fills with joy the people of the club and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Unfortunately, the club has made a statement with which I disagree because my desire was — and is — to continue leading Al Wasl and, if there is a failure of the club to buy players for lack of funds, there is always the possibility to discuss in conjunction with that advice and find solutions.” That last quote has been interpreted in some quarters to mean Maradona wishes to stay on at the helm and mend broken bridges with the new regime. However, it could just as easily imply he wants an amicable split and no squabbling over his compensation package. “So much effort has been made to take me to that country,” Maradona added. “Therefore, I am eternally grateful and I want to make clear that I was always comfortable and happy with the club and support. “In addition, Shaikh Ahmed has given me his full cooperation, so I am eternally grateful — first for trusting me and second for the love and respect I received from him and the people of the UAE. “For all this, I hope soon to have a meeting with the board to address all these issues. I’m quite sure they will be willing and reach a good agreement.” An earlier post on Maradona’s site also suggests the resignation of former club chief Marwan bin Bayat resulted in Maradona being axed.