Don't exploit World Cup, says Batistuta
May 12, 2002
ROME, May 9 (AFP) -- AS Roma's Argentinian striker Gabriel Batistuta on Thursday warned his country's politicians not to exploit the forthcoming World Cup for political reasons.
Batistuta, training with the Argentina squad at the Lazio training base Formello, said he was determined that politicians should not use the football team to try and divert attention from the economic crisis that has left the Latin American country reeling.
"Our objective is to do well, especially to help our people who are suffering," said Batistuta. "But I hope if we were to win the World Cup it would not be exploited by our politicians."
Batistuta has had a disappointing season with Roma and said he would stay with the deposed Italian champions but "only if Roma really wants me, otherwise there are certainly other teams that want me".