TheSportsCampus

Sacked Argentine national coach Diego Maradona has refused to go quietly into the sunset instead calling a press conference to disclose the extent of political motivation behind his removal. With the Maradona saga having more twists and turns than a Shakespearean tragedy, one truly wonders if we have really seen the last of the Argentine legend in national colours.

Almost a month after Germany's 4-0 demolition of Argentina in the FIFA World Cup, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced their decision to remove Maradona from his post as head coach. The AFA announced on Tuesday that Maradona's contract would not be renewed, ending a roller-coaster 21-month stint for the legendary forward. Youth team coach Sergio Batista will take charge of the Argentine national squad till a new coach is appointed.

The announcement came as a surprise especially days after when he was offered a new 4-year contract by AFA. However, Maradona imposed certain conditions on his appointment asking for his entire staff to be retained. This proved to be the pivotal point behind his sacking as AFA President Julio Grondona wanted several changes to Maradona's coaching staff .

Speaking about his feelings, AFA president Grondona said, "When you cannot agree with somebody you love, you are not happy at all."

After their humiliating exit from the World Cup, Maradona wanted to resign but then again, he expressed his desire to continue on certain terms and conditions. The 49-year old has always been the subject of controversy and unpredictability much like his playing career ever sinced he took over from Alfio Basile in 2008. Maradona started off with a 1-0 win over Scotland in 2008, but his team suffered a major blow when they were drubbed 6-1 by Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers. Qualification came down to the last 2 games of the South American World Cup qualifiers, which they won to finally book their place in South Africa.

Although he has been seen very enthusiastic from the side-lines, Maradona's coaching skills were always under scrutiny especially his squad selection for the World Cup - where he left out Inter Milan veterans Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.

Maradona's temporary replacement, Sergio Batista took Argentina U-23 to Gold at the 2008 Olympics and he has been given the responsibility to take charge for the international friendly against the Republic of Ireland on August 11. The AFA has confirmed that they ‘have time' to look for a replacement. However, the punters have already put their money on Alejandro Sabella as Maradona's next successor. Sabella took Estudiantes to victory in the Copa Libertadores last season, and seems favourite to take charge for the time-being.

An emotional Maradona has hit back claiming to be ‘betrayed' by Carlos Bilardo (technical director) and lied to by Julio Grondona. Speaking about his departure Maradona said, "I leave the job with a clear conscience and am proud of what I've done for the team." His removal from the post of Argentina Coach marks the end of a colorful stint that saw controversy, flair, charisma and despair all in a short span of 21 months.

Photo by 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa