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Diego Maradona 'hurting' over Gonzalo Higuain move to Juventus

Higuain does not always appear outwardly happy in matches but says that is because of his deep desire to win games
Image: Gonzalo Higuain is reported to be moving to Napoli's rivals Juventus

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has expressed his sadness that Gonzalo Higuain could be leaving Napoli for Juventus but blamed "fat cats of business" for the move.

Sky Italy reported that Napoli striker Higuain had undergone a medical with officials from Juventus and had agreed a deal to join the club.

Napoli and Juve remain in negotiations about a potential deal for the 28-year-old Argentina international, with the buyout clause at almost £79m.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Maradona, who won two titles with Napoli, was particularly upset that his compatriot would be leaving the club for a rival Serie A side.

"This Higuain affair is hurting me because he is going to a direct rival like Juventus," he wrote. "But we cannot blame the player either.

"A player has a responsibility to himself and it is those fat cats of business that are grinning the most in this case.

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona hugs Argentina's striker Gonzalo Higuain during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Argentina vs. Mexico on June
Image: Diego Maradona coached Higuain during his time as manager of the Argentina national team

"Nobody thinks of the fan."

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Both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have been credited with an interest in Higuain this summer but it appears as if Juventus will win the race for the player.

Maradona coached Higuain during his tenure as manager of the Argentina national team from 2008 to 2010, but his statement seemed to be directed at Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis rather than his former protege. 

'I'm tired of saying that today it seems to be more important to be a good businessman than a good president," he continued.

"This did not happen in my time. Too bad that FIFA continues to sleep."

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