FERNANDO REDONDO claims he was left out of Argentina’s squad for the 1998 World Cup because of his HAIR.
The defensive midfielder, now 53, would have been a shoo-in for the 23-man group if not for boss Daniel Passarella.
The Argentina manager had already refused to pick homosexuals or players with earrings and long hair.
Unfortunately for Redondo, he had long, wavy locks.
The Argentine was coming into the tournament in buoyant mood.
Having joined Real Madrid in 1994, Redondo helped them win two LaLiga titles before winning the 1998 Champions League.
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The defensive midfielder started in the final alongside the likes of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Clarence Seedorf and Fernando Morientes for the 1-0 win against a Juventus team including Zinedine Zidane, Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero.
Under any other manager, Redondo would have been one of the first names on the teamsheet for his country.
But instead, he was left at home while Diego Simeone, Gabriel Batistuta, Hernan Crespo, Javier Zanetti and Co boarded the plane to France, where they beat England en route to the quarter-finals.
Redondo has opened up on his snub, saying: “I was in great form.
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“But Passarella had particular ideas about discipline and wanted me to have my hair cut.
“I didn’t see what that had to do with playing football so I said no.”
Redondo did win 29 caps for his country between 1992 and 1999.
In 2000, he left Real Madrid to join AC Milan in bizarre circumstances.
Redondo admitted he wanted to stay at the Bernabeu while fans protested the £11million move.
He missed the first two-and-a-half years at his new club due to a knee injury.
Redondo suspended his salary and even tried to give back the house and car he was gifted by Milan chiefs.
Regardless, the midfielder still went on to enjoy great success in Italy.
Redondo helped the San Siro giants win a Serie A title and another Champions League before retiring in 2004 following another knee injury.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
