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Kolkata, December 11
Diego Maradona and modesty don’t go hand in hand, but the Argentine legend today called himself a “simple footballer” and “not the God of football” as his admirers watched, joyfully transfixed, his hand at self deprecation.
“I am not a god of football, but a simple footballer. I’m happy to be here in Kolkata again,” Maradona said through his interpreter.
His second visit in nine years may have been a low-key affair, unlike in 2008, but the legend still charmed about a thousand-odd crowd at a charity event in a north Kolkata club this afternoon.
Maradona handed out cheques worth Rs 10,000 each to 11 cancer patients and flagged off an air-conditioned ambulance.
The club, which is famous for its lavish Durga Puja celebrations, was packed to the brim. Many were seen standing on rooftops of the adjoining buildings, making the atmosphere electrifying.
Maradona unveiled a 12-feet statue of him holding aloft the 1986 World Cup trophy, which would be installed at a park named after him. “It’s amazing to have my statue here,” said the 1986 World Cup winner.
Earlier, an audio-visual of the Argentine legend greeted him at the venue as he arrived with his partner.
Maradona was presented with an uttariyo (traditional scarf) on stage and a gold bracelet by the organisers.
The Argentine was originally slated to arrive on September 19, but the trip got postponed several times. Maradona will also take on cricket icon Sourav Ganguly in an exhibition match titled ‘Diego vs Dada’ in Barasat, about 35 km from the city. — PTI
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