Queiroz denies ‘harsh words’ for Maradona

GOAL – TEHRAN, Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has released a statement rubbishing Diego Maradona’s claims he exchanged “harsh words” with the Al Wasl boss after rejecting a request to release Mohammad Reza Khalatbari for club duty.

The Argentine had told reporters earlier in the week that Queiroz had “flatly refused and had some very harsh words” for him, after he asked to have Khalatbari released for Al Wasl’s Gulf Clubs Championship final second leg against Al Muharraq on Sunday which they lost on penalties.

However, the Portuguese coach hit back at Maradona in a statement categorically denying any phone conversation discussing Khalatbari.

“Following the comments released by the press on behalf of Diego Maradona, head coach of UAE Al Wasl club, it is imperative to clarify that under no circumstances did I have any conversation by phone with Diego Maradona or any representative of his club regarding the release of the referenced player or any other subject,” Queiroz’s statement read.

“It is absolutely false and unacceptable according to the quote that I used harsh words with Diego, when the phone conversation never happened. I cannot believe that the statement released by the press on behalf of Diego Maradona is credible.”