Maradona says his “chapter” over as coach – report

By Luis Andres Henao

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentina coach Diego Maradona told a local newspaper on Monday his “chapter had ended,” although the country’s local football association and a close friend told Reuters he had not resigned.

“It’s done, my chapter has ended,” Cronica newspaper quoted Maradona as saying, two days after Germany’s resounding 4-0 win over Argentina. “I gave everything I had.”

A spokesman for the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said Maradona had not officially resigned and that AFA President Julio Grondona would meet with Maradona after the World Cup had finished.

A close friend of Maradona’s told Reuters: “I still can’t confirm it, (the resignation) is something that’s being discussed.”

The friend said Maradona’s decision would be announced during a press conference but he did not say when.

Maradona returned to Buenos Aires along with the rest of the national team on Sunday, a day after Germany trounced Argentina 4-0 to advance to the World Cup’s semi-finals.

(Writing by Hilary Burke, editing by Jon Bramley)