Dubai: Diego Maradona has declared that he hopes to continue his work at Al Wasl despite being fired by the Emirati club earlier in the week.
The 51-year-old Argentine was given his marching orders on Tuesday after a disappointing first season at the Zabeel Stadium, in which they failed to secure a title.
However, Maradona claims he has not been officially informed by Al Wasl of the decision and noted he will soon sit down with the club`s board to mull over their progress.
"I would like to say that it has always been my wish to remain in this wonderful country which has always received me very well, and I am completely grateful to the Sheik for receiving me and giving me the opportunity to coach an Emirati club," a statement released by Maradona reads.
"The fact is that in the last days, we had been talking to try to come to an agreement regarding the purchase of new players, which is a requirement to be able to win the league with great results."
"I will always be grateful to him and I would like to make it clear that I was always happy at the club and happy with their support."
"Regrettably, the club issued a statement that I do not support because my wish was and is to coach Al Wasl."
"If it is impossible for the club to buy new players because they lack the funds to do it, there will always be the possibility to discuss this together with the board to try to find solutions."
"I hope that I will soon have a meeting with them to address these matters. I am sure they are willing to discuss them and that we will reach an amicable agreement."
Maradona was appointed Al Wasl coach last summer, one year after being sacked by Argentina following the Albiceleste`s disappointing campaign at World Cup 2010.
First Published: Thursday, July 12, 2012, 10:03