Napoli rename home ground as Diego Maradona Stadium in legendary footballer’s honour
Maradona, who led Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on November 24.
The 1986 World Cup hero arrived is in the city on Sunday evening on a three-day visit.
Argentine football legend Diego Maradona on Monday said he is not the “God of football” but a normal footballer.
“I am not God of football, I am just a simple footballer,” Maradona said at a charity function here.
The 1986 World Cup hero arrived is in the city on Sunday evening on a three-day visit.
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Maradona gave away financial aid and fruits to 11 cancer patients on behalf of a private organisation and was seen in a jovial mood. He was accompanied by his 27-year-old girlfriend Rocio Oliva.
He also flagged off an air-conditioned ambulance for the cancer patients.
On his arrival, a Spanish song was played as the former Napoli star, regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, was seen waving at the crowd.
A 12-foot statue of the 57-year-old holding the World Cup was unveiled. It will be kept at a park named after him — ‘Maradona Park’
“It’s just amazing. I have loved coming to Kolkata and I am very happy to be here again,” Maradona said.
Maradona was welcomed on to the dias with a tri-colour garland and flowers. He will play a charity football match against former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday at Barasat in West Bengal.
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