The outspoken coach tells Argentine television that he has no more to give the national team, while stopping short of an official resignation.

Dejected Argentina coach Diego Maradona seemed to admit that his spell directing the national team had come to an end in an interview with national TV station Cronica.

"That is it, my time has finished," 'El Pelusa' told reporters from the channel who had come to his house on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. "I have given all that I have."

After harsh criticism during qualifying, the controversial trainer won international plaudits for both his attacking style of play on the field and often unorthodox behaviour off it. His inexperience as a coach was eventually found out in the World Cup quarter-finals however, as the Albiceleste were taken apart by a superior and better-organised German side.

Despite many senior players and officials calling for Dieguito to stay at the helm, from today's words it seems that Maradona has made his decision to step down, although there is yet to be an official statement from either him or the AFA.

As happened so often in South Africa however, it was the legendary number 10 who had the final word this morning in Buenos Aires, telling Cronica and fans who had gathered to beg for his continuity: "I just want to enjoy the afternoon with my family."