Sacked Al Wasl manager Diego Maradona has broken his silence about his dismissal from the Pro-League side - and insists he still wants to remain at the club.
The Dubai side terminated their contract with the Argentine legend half-way through a two year deal following the club's poor form last season.
But the 51-year-old coach disputed the club's announcement yesterday that he had been removed after 'a comprehensive study of all technical aspects'.
In a statement on his website, he said he still hoped to meet with the new board at Al Wasl to discuss his future with the club, even after his dismissal - and hinted issues around transfer signings may have played a part in his exit.
"It was always my wish to stay in that wonderful land that so welcomed me and I am totally grateful to the sheikh, especially for having received me and given me the opportunity to coach a team from the Emirates," he said.
"Unfortunately, the club made a statement that I don't agree with, because my wish was and is to carry on coaching Al Wasl and if it is impossible for the club to buy players, due to a lack of budget, there will also be the possibility to discuss that together with the board and seek solutions.
"I hope to have a meeting soon with the board ...(and) I am quite sure they will be well disposed to do so and we will come to a good agreement."
Maradona's turbulent spell in charge of Al Wasl saw the Cheetahs finish eighth in the Pro-League last season, and fail to win any of the cup competitions they entered.
An appearance in the GCC Cup final saw the team squander a 3-1 first leg lead to lose a penalty shoot-out after controversial goalkeeper Majed Naser was sent off - a result the board admitted had played a substantial part in their decision to terminate Maradona's contract.
The manager frequently argued with the club's management during his spell in charge, twice threatening to quit the club and criticising them for not supporting him with quality signings.