Maradona Says to Quit, Federation Denies

Online polls conducted by the country's main newspapers have shown that most football fans wants Maradona out. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has said his "chapter had ended", although the country's local football association has not confirmed his resignation.

"It's done, my chapter has ended," Cronica newspaper quoted Maradona as saying, two days after Germany's resounding 4-0 win over Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals. "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 him after the World Cup had finished.

Online polls conducted by the country's main newspapers have shown that most football fans wants Maradona out. Yet he continues to have lots of supporters.

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has recently urged him to stay on.

"Hang in there, Diego!" she said. "No Argentine has given us some much happiness on the soccer field like Diego Maradona."

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