Argentina Coach Sampaoli Admits Man United Goalie Wanted To Remain With Squad

Published: May 25, 2018

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli has admitted that it was difficult axing Manchester United goalie Sergio Romero from the World Cup squad after he suffered an injury.

Romero suffered a joint blockage in his right knee which requires surgery and the Argentinian Football Association moved quickly to call up Nahuel Guzman of Tigres as his replacement.

In truth, the 31-year-old has been struggling with his fitness since he was hurt in a challenge with Diego Costa in Argentina's friendly vs Spain back in March 2018.

''It was hard because it was an unexpected moment that we did not imagine, we had to make decisions, beyond Sergio's interest in staying,'' Sampaoli told reporters.

Sampaoli explained that River Plate's Franco Armani has not linked up with the squad at their training camp due to club commitments.

The three Argentina goalkeepers heading to the World Cup have played eight times in total for the country.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : afa.com.ar