Arguably the world’s best player (depending on which side of the spectrum you choose to see him from), Diego Armando Maradona is set to give Italian football fans especially those in Napoli a surprise on October 3oth.
On that day, the Argentine legend turns 50 and reports in Italy suggest that he will return to former club Napoli to celebrate his birthday. Maradona was Napoli’s golden boy and he is responsible for the club’s only two scudetto wins in their entire history.
Maradona was with Napoli for 7 years bringing them Serie A success in the 1986/1987 season and the 1989/1990 season. He was also the club’s top scorer in the 1987/1988 season. Other honours he won with the club include: the Copa Italia in 1987, the UEFA Super Cup in 1989 and the Italian SuperCup the following year.
His life in Italy was not without any controversy. Drugs almost ruined his career and have continued to haunt up until 2007 when he was admitted to hospital for hepatitis and drug abuse.
Now the former Argentinean coach and player who scored ‘the goal of the century’ is keen on making an emotional return to San Paulo stadium for an exhibition match with former team-mates.
”In life, I’ve had everything: a family that I adore, a brilliant career and today, thanks to God, I don’t want for anything,” Maradona said. “My only desire is that of returning to Napoli so I can once again embrace the city and the people who I have never forgotten.
“There are things that remain inside of you and that even time can’t ever erase. I won two Scudetti and a UEFA Cup there, as well as a Coppa Italia and an Italian Super Cup. But Napoli was also important for the World Cup that I won with Argentina in 1986 in Mexico. I left Italy at a moment of great physical and mental splendor because I was happy inside.
“I spent the most beautiful and pleasant part of my existence at Napoli and I still have many friends there.”
Photo credit: from jamaljamalullail@ymail.com2010
