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| October 27, 2001 | Saturday | Shaba'an 9, 1422 |
Maradona takes no prisoners
PARIS, Oct 26: Argentine football legend Diego Maradona takes no prisoners in a new book to be released in Europe on November 2 with the Pope, former FIFA chief Joao Havelange and Pele among his targets for criticism.
Entitled “Yo soy el Diego” (I am Diego), the book - which has yet to be given a release date for an English language version - depicts the ups and downs of the former Argentine forward’s life on and off the park.
Fourteen chapters tell the story of his humble beginnings in the shanty towns of Villa Fiorito to his professional debut with Argentinos Juniors, moving on to his career in Europe and his farewell in October 25, 1997 with Boca Juniors.
But the man also who became famous for his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico, spares no-one in his tale, including himself and his descent into cocaine addiction.
As for Joao Havelange (the former president of world governing body FIFA), Maradona says: “Throughout my whole career he represented the face of injustice.”
Pele? “The biggest (player) of all, but he didn’t use his talent to benefit football. I would like to have seen him take care of (former Brazilian international) Garrincha rather than let him die in the most complete destitution.”
Maradona’s closing words in the 330-page autobiography are: “No one will make me believe that drugs or money have changed my true feelings. None. I remain the same, the same person I’ve always been. I am Maradona. I am Diego.”—AFP
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