26 Jul 2010 | 12:40 SAST

Maradona makes quit threat

Argentina coach Diego Maradona insists he will turn his back on the national team if changes are made to his backroom team

The World Cup winner's assistants, particularly Oscar Ruggeri, have been heavily criticised by Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona following the World Cup in South Africa.

The South Americans struggled to qualify for the competition in the first place and despite a promising start in South Africa they were dumped out in the quarter-finals after a 4-0 thrashing by Germany.

And while Grondona is keen to tie Maradona down to a new contract, the 49-year-old has declared that he will walk away if the AFA make any attempt to change any member of his current staff.

"I really want to stay, but it depends on Grondona," said Maradona.

"If they touch a hair of one of my guys, even if the masseur or the kitman, I'm going. I want to continue the adventure but not with (just) anyone. I chose these people. I want to continue working with them.

"I already asked and I will continue to ask that Ruggeri joins me," he added. "It's a constant struggle. This is the first thing I will discuss with Grondona."