Maradona: La Liga Is The Best League

Diego Maradona is in India as part of his promotional tour where he would inaugurate a football academy amongst other things. Addressing the media this afternoon,  he touched on a number of topics, including those on the Argentine national team, the election of Barrack Obama as the president elect of the United States and his status as a God.

At first, a cool, not very expressive Maradona conveyed his gratitude and delight at being so heartily welcomed by the Indian public. His first words in the press conference were, "I had never imagined in my life that in this part of the world there would be so many people who would come to see me.  

"I would like to thank all those who have brought me here. I am enjoying it. I am pleased with the hospitality and I am very happy."  

Stretching on his feelings at being welcomed in such fanfare, the 1986 World Cup winner beamed, "I had thought that I have experienced all surprises in my life. But today I have learned that there are more surprises to come in the future."  

After that opening speech, Maradona invited questions from the media. El Diego was immediately asked about the prospect of India featuring in the World Cup finals.  

"It is very difficult to say at the moment. It is difficult to predict but I give my best wishes to India. They have to work hard."   

 On being asked which he deems is better, La Liga or the Serie A, Maradona remarked, "The league in Spain is better than the Serie A. In fact, it is better than any other league in the world as there is a lot of competition."  

Maradona had to choose between two of the best Argentiniean talents - Lionel Messi and his son-in-law Kun Aguero.

"I think Messi and Aguero are in a similar situation. They are contributing a lot to my team," there slyly not giving his view on who the better player is.

Maradona has only recently taken over the Argentina national team as their coach. He doesn;t have much experience in coaching and so was asked of his experience on the same.

"I don’t have any tension in my homeland. The team has to work very hard and has to be responsible. I have enjoyed a lot when I was playing and I am utilizing that experience to be a trainer. They (my team) have a great composition. They play very well. There is equilibrium amongst the teammates."

Thereafter, the 48 year old spoke about his political beliefs and mentioned that the current US president George Bush is an assasin. 

"I would like to think of Bush as a sort of assassin. Obama can do a great job."

The legendary star also spoke on the importance of former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo and Cuban revolutionary leader Fiedel Castro in his life.

Maradona confessed that he does foster some regrets in his life. He sighed, "Actually I have a lot to lament about in my life. I could not spend enough time with my daughters. But there is still time for me to recover and spend time with my daughters."

The age old question as to who is the greatest footballer - Pele or himself was asked to which Maradona's reply sent a ripple of amusement.

"My mother considers me to be greatest football in the world. If she think so, then it I so!"

In Argentina, Maradona enjoys a God-like status and the modest World Cup winner said,"I might be the God of Football. But I am not God!"

On a concluding note, El Diego said, "I give my whole hearted regards to India for their success. At the moment I have a contract with the Argentina national football team. When the contract expires and if I get a chance, then I would like to come back. I have received so much affection here in India."

Subhankar Mondal