Heinze admits World Cup fears (2 Jan 2006 01:31 GMT)
The Manchester United left-back, Gabriel Heinze, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in September, and his manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already cast doubt on whether he will return in time to compete in Germany.
Heinze sustained the injury in the 0-0 draw in Villarreal on September 14, and with a return to action still several months away, Ferguson recently said: "I know Gaby wants to play in the World Cup, every player would want that, but I can't see it myself."
The former Paris St Germain defender now admits he is forced to agree.
"I don't see myself in the World Cup, but not because of Ferguson's words. I don't see myself in Germany because I'm not playing at the moment."
Heinze said too much had been made of Fergie's comments and denied there was any rift between him and his manager.
"Many things which were said are not true," the South American said. "Especially in Argentina. I'm not interested in journalist's rumours."
"They exaggerated Ferguson's words. I don't mind talking to the boss. He knows me very well and I know him, too. It's all okay. But before playing for the national team, I must play for Manchester United. If I don't play for my club, I wouldn't play for my country. Each person thinks what they want. I'm thinking about my injury and I don't have anything else to say about Ferguson."
Jose Pekerman has left the door open for Heinze to join his squad in time for the World Cup, where Argentina are in Group C along with Serbia and Montenegro, Holland, and the Ivory Coast.
The 27-year-old added that Pekerman's support had been encouraging.
"I am delighted by Pekerman's consideration. It motivates me, it makes me feel good. To play in an Argentina shirt is the best thing in the world. I want to give joy to the supporters, like I did at the Olympics Games in Athens (where Argentina won gold). To sing the anthem is something not everyone gets the chance to do. It's great."
Heinze is continuing his recovery in his home town of Rosario, and is hoping to make a big step in the new year.
"I don't have a fixed timetable," he said. "I'm making an enormous sacrifice and in January I'll start working on the ground.
"If I'm not in Germany next year, I'll be one more fan of the team. And it will be like this until death. I know that each player who goes to World Cup will do his best."
source : FOXSports