Featured Image Credit: Instagram/kunaguero - Alamy
Topics: Sergio Aguero, Argentina, Football World Cup
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Sergio Aguero, Argentina, Football World Cup
Sergio Aguero says he has been denied access to Argentina's training base at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 34-year-old forward, who announced his retirement from professional football last year after being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia, was expected to join Argentina's coaching staff at this winter's tournament.
But the former Manchester City and Barcelona forward eventually decided against helping coach the team.
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"The invitation to be part of Argentina staff was in the table. I spoke with Chiqui [Tapia, Argentina Football Association president] and I was clear with him about my goal to enjoy my time," Aguero told ESPN. "I'm going to Qatar, but as a fan."
Months after making those comments. Aguero, who got stuck on a plane full of Brazil fans heading to Qatar, landed in the Middle East last week to support the Argentina national team.
But he still hasn't visited the likes of Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria at their training camp after he was prevented from entering the grounds.
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Aguero was told that the correct accreditation could not be arranged in time, meaning he was prevented from wishing the team good luck ahead of their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
The 34-year-old has criticised his country's football association [AFA] after being denied entry.
“I haven’t seen the national team yet," he said. "Hey, let's see, but everything is kind of weird. Supposedly you have to have a credential to pass through. It sounds strange to me that it takes three or four days to arrange.
“I asked and was told the decision has come from above - but I see there are others who have been allowed in. It's strange that they can’t give me the right credentials quickly.
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“I've been in the national team and know they make a credential for you quickly. What do I know? I'm not going to bother. I'm going to wait for everything to finish.
“I wanted to go earlier, to wish them luck. The situation is rare. I've never done anyone wrong. I've always behaved well. Maybe there are people who don't like being told bad things.
"It annoys me that others arrive the same day of their trip and suddenly they are in there. I sent a good luck message. If they don't want me to go, it's all good, but tell me to my face.”
Spain boss Luis Enrique has since invited Aguero to their training camp after learning he'd travelled from South America to watch the football.
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Aguero, meanwhile, is clearly still annoyed about not having the right accreditation to visit some of his former teammates in the Argentina squad.
He added: "What does it look like if I go to visit Spain before I have even been to see my teammates? First I'm waiting for someone from the AFA to call me and tell me something.”