Maradona to walk if demands not met

Diego Maradona has warned he could walk before his is pushed even if Argentina qualify for the 2010 World Cup, unless his demands…

Diego Maradona has warned he could walk before his is pushed even if Argentina qualify for the 2010 World Cup, unless his demands are met by his employers.

Argentina play their final two World Cup qualifiers in the coming week, against Peru and Uruguay, with their place in South Africa very much in the balance and Maradona’s future as manager has been the subject of fevered speculation.

However, he has revealed he is thinking of resigning from his post even if the Albicelestes qualify and will meet with Argentina Football Association(AFA) president Julio Grondona to discuss matters.

“When Grondona called me to his house and offered me the job, I told him I was the happiest person in the world,” said Maradona.

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“But after that things happened that I didn’t like and I will speak about them later.

“If I continue it will be under my conditions.

“After the qualifiers I will talk to Julio.”

Maradona, who has been in the post less than a year, did not specify what conditions he would lay down, but it is thought his chief gripe is with technical director Carlos Bilardo.

The pair reportedly do not get on and barely speak to each other, with Maradona unhappy at the former Argentina coach’s interference in team affairs.

Argentina go into Saturday’s game in Buenos Aires on a run of four defeats in the last five games, and currently lie in the play-off position in the South American qualifiers.