Boca's Title Hopes Hinge On Signing Juan Roman Riquelme

After yet another disappointing exit in the World Cup, the eyes of football fans in Argentina have turned to the upcoming Aperatura Tournament that kicks off the first weekend in August. 

As usual, Club Atletico Boca Juniors will be amongst the favorites to take the crown. The storied club endured a tumultuous Clausura campaign, finishing in 16th place and allowing more goals (35) than any other team. 

In a bid to return to prominence and qualify for the 2011 Copa Libertadores (South America's version of the Champions League), Boca acquired ex-Argentinos Juniors boss Claudio Borghi to coach the side after leading the un-fancied Argentinos to the Clausura title. 

Joining Borghi from Argentinos is centerback Matias Caruzzo, who will strengthen Boca's league-worst back line along with Cristian Cellay, who was signed from Estudiantes de La Plata, and Juan Manuel Insaurralde of Newell's Old Boys.  

Banfield goalkeeper Cristian Lucchetti has also been added to hopefully solve the goalkeeping issue that plagued the club during the past few tournaments. 

Legendary striker Martin Palermo was resigned for one more season before retiring, giving Boca the feeling of a team poised for greatness. 

The only piece missing from an otherwise strong puzzle is the signature of playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme. 

The enigmatic No.10 is currently recovering from injury, but has still been in an intense game of back and forth with club president Jorge Ameal and the other directors over his contract. 

Riquelme has always made it clear that his desire is to finish his career with Boca, and although the club seems to convey the same sentiment, there is sadly a tinge of politics involved, as is often the case in Argentine football. 

There is a feeling that those directors close to ex-president Mauricio Macri may not want Ameal to sign Riquelme, giving the new man on the block a lasting legacy. 

It is always a shame in football when directors and those who don't have the best interest of the team at heart have the power over the fans who care so deeply for their team. 

With a healthy Riquelme in the line-up, Boca would immediately become the favorites for the Aperatura, especially with a bolstered defense. Without him, the link between midfield and attack would be non-existent, especially with Nicolas Gaitan now playing in Portugal and Federico Insua in Turkey. 

Although Riquelme has certainly divided fans over the years and has had countless run ins with coaches, players, and directors, there is no denying the man's talent. 

Coach Claudio Borghi has recently stated that he can see his team having to play without Riquelme, but the question would then become, is there a "plan b?"

At the age of 36, Palermo does not move the way he used to, and can be virtually useless without proper service, as seen during a period of 741 goalless minutes during the 2009 Aperatura. 

Roman , as Riquelme is known, played a big part in many of Palermo's goals last season, including his record breaking strike against Arsenal that made him Boca's all-time leading scorer. But without him, it is hard to see Palermo having a fruitful campaign. 

There are other options in midfield, such as new signee Damian Escudero, but there is of course no natural replacement for the ex Barcelona and Villareal man. 

While Boca's fate without Riquelme may look bleak, the player's future is equally cloudy after stating that he would not play for another team in Argentina. 

Going to Europe could be an option, but, at 32, would Riquelme have the desire to play so far from home where he was obviously not happy the last time?

Such is the problem with Riquelme. As a life long Boca fan, he has only truly been comfortable playing in the Bombonera in the blue and gold of Boca with his friends and family close by. 

Perhaps the only option would be signing with a top Brazilian club, a few of which have inquired about Riquelme. 

Riquelme will certainly do everything in his power to remain at Boca, the only question is if the directors will do the same.