Maradona fever hits Scotland

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 5:11 am

Argentina soccer legend Diego Maradona was received by a swarm of fans and a media frenzy as he touched down in Glasgow airport on Sunday (November 16) three days ahead of his much-anticipated international managerial debut against Scotland.

Journalists flooded the arrivals lounge and the World Cup winner needed a police escort to a waiting coach. Maradona, one of the sport’s greatest players and one of its most volatile, had to deny reports this week that he was on the verge of quitting the role before his first game over a dispute with Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona over his choice of assistant.

The man who emphatically led his national team to World Cup glory in 1986, has only had two short stints as a coach in the mid 1990s with Deportivo Mandiyu and Racing Club. His 23 games only produced three wins. Maradona didn’t speak to journalists but gave his signature to a number of adoring fans.

One Argentinian now living in Scotland was overjoyed after his idol signed his national team shirt. “It’s better than winning the lottery,” he said, proudly displaying the shirt, adding he did not care who won the game.

“It’s a friendly game and I support Scotland as well,” he said.

But local soccer fan said he failed to add to his collection of famous player’s autographs.

“Hopefully I’ll get another one before he gets home, my son’s managed to get one and I haven’t,” he added.

Maradona’s career peaked when he captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986 with some outrageously brilliant performances but dramatically declined as he was banned three times for drug offences, including one at the 1994 World Cup.

(Agencies)

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Maradona fever hits Scotland

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