Gerardo Martino quits as Paraguay coach - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Gerardo Martino quits as Paraguay coach

06/07/2010 06:09:02 AM Comments (0)

Coach Gerardo Martino is leaving the Paraguay national team and striker Roque Santa Cruz says this was his last World Cup.

Martino and Santa Cruz announced their plans Monday as the team arrived home following a 1-0 loss in the quarterfinals to Spain.

Martino said his four-year contract had expired, but the Argentine promised fans greeting the team that he would help with the transition to a new coach. Without being specific, he said he had job offers in Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

"My four-year contract is up," Martino said. "But I will stay around a bit longer to organise things."

Santa Cruz said his body is telling him it's time to go.

"This is my last World Cup," the Manchester City forward said. "My soul wants to continue, but by my body says no."

Santa Cruz said he might play in the 2011 South American continental championship - the Copa America - which will be played in Argentina.

"It could be my going away," he said.

Thousands of fans greeted the team when it arrived in the capital Asuncion. President Fernando Lugo awarded team members medals for meritorious service to sports.

Dionisio Cabanas, the father of Salvador Cabanas, received a medal for his son.

Cabanas would likely have been a starter on the Paraguay team but was shot in the head at point-blank range on Jan. 25 in a Mexico City bar. He miraculously survived the attack but is continuing his recovery at a rehabilitation clinic.

Paraguay is set to receive $14 million from FIFA for making the quarterfinals. Juan Angel Napout, president of the Paraguay football association, said the money would be invested to develop football at the grassroots and to build infrastructure.

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