January 5, 2002

ROME, Jan 5 (AFP) Lazio striker Hernan Crespo and AS Roma forward Gabriel Batistuta said Saturday they were both proud of their Argentinian nationality and were convinced that the politico-economic crisis gripping their home country was just temporary.

Both men saw at first hand the difficulties facing the country as they had returned home for Christmas but both expressed solidarity with the protesters who have forced president Fernando de la Rua and his interim replacement Adolfo Rodriguez Saa to resign with street protests.

Crespo said: "I feel really sad to see my country on its knees and even if my family is OK people close to me have still been affected. "I am not embarrassed at my wealth because I have not stolen it from anyone.

"This crisis affects me because it has hurt my people, my country. But I am struck by the pride of my compatriots and their desire to react. I am sure Argentina will rise again. I am proud of the dignity with which the protests have been carried out, apart from the looting in the supermarkets," said the former Parma player.

Batistuta, a long-time playing rival of Crespo, agreed, saying: "It is a sad and grave situation to see people suffering. The fault is with the politicians who have always failed. The people no longer have faith of those driving the car.

"In Argentina they were good and bad politicians - the bad ones won and are in the majority. We need someone who will give faith back to the people. I am optimistic, I am Argentinian and Argentinians are optimists."