Diego Maradona has admitted that he dreams of one day returning to Napoli to Coach the team he once played for.
Diego Maradona has admitted that he dreams of one day returning to Napoli to Coach the team he once played for.
The retired Argentine footballer enjoyed seven successful seasons at the San Paolo club during the 1980s, playing a leading role as the team won two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana and a UEFA Cup.
The 51-year-old also has a reputed €37m tax bill hanging over his head from his time in Naples, but this week has again spoken of his desire to go back to the club as a Coach.
“Coaching the Azzurri at the San Paolo is a beautiful dream,” reflected the former No 10 to L’Espresso.
“Time will tell. Of the city I miss the Neapolitans, the energy of the fans, the sun and the love of the people for whom I gave so much.
“Would I sit on the bench of another big team in Italy? In my heart there is only the blue of Napoli. And Napoli won and, even today as in my time, battled against Juventus. And then, the Napoli fans are a force of nature.”
Maradona then reflected on the current betting scandal to have hit the peninsula.
“In my years, there was another type of calcio. We played with our feet and head, connected to the heart. We laughed, we rejoiced and wept. Now there are many players with too much money, it is polluting the sport.
“Maradona took to the field just for the joy of playing and partying with the fans. The ball is round, you can win or lose, but you should never be affected by money. Only with the feet, the head and a move for Maradona.
“Was I asked to sell out a game? Never, I would have kicked them out. You cannot disappoint the fans who sacrifice themselves and cry for you. This scandal hurts too much the children who dream of champions.
“In my time there were only the football pools. Today there are too many games and bets of all kinds.”