Juanfer Quintero rescinds River Plate contract, cites differing views with coach

Juan Fernando Quintero has formally ended his tenure with River Plate, with the club announcing the mutual rescission of his contract. The Colombian midfielder, who returned to Núñez with high expectations, acknowledged that circumstances led him to make difficult decisions regarding his playing career.

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I am very grateful for everything. Situations arise where one, as a football player, has to make decisions, and that was the case.

Speaking from Medellín, where he participated in a tribute match for Macnelly Torres, Quintero addressed his departure in a conversation with ESPN. He emphasized that despite the manner of his exit, his bond with River Plate remains strong and enduring. "The love and the bond will be eternal, everyone knows that," Quintero stated, adding, "But well, this is football, these are situations where one has to move on, as in life. Decisions have to be made."

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The love and the bond will be eternal, everyone knows that. But well, this is football, these are situations where one has to move on, as in life. Decisions have to be made. I will always be available and attentive to River.

The midfielder's departure follows a week marked by conflicting reports and indications of a strained relationship with coach Eduardo Coudet. Tensions appeared to escalate after Coudet's post-match comments suggested Quintero was expected to return on a specific date, a version Quintero publicly contested. He clarified that prior discussions with the club president about a return after the World Cup had already taken place.

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The coach said one thing, but with the president, we had already spoken before the World Cup about returning on the 30th. I haven't spoken with the coach since I left; if he said that, it's because he didn't have knowledge of the situation, I had a trip and I spoke with the president before the World Cup.

Quintero also alluded to differing football philosophies between himself and the coaching staff, stating, "We have different football tastes." He denied being distant from the possibility of an earlier return, explaining that he would have rejoined River Plate within 24 hours if he had been deemed a priority for the team's project. The 33-year-old player is now focusing on his next career move, with Atlético Mineiro reportedly among his potential destinations.

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We have different football tastes.