Maradona Linked to Italia
After the shock exit of La Albiceleste from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Argentina coach Diego Maradona is said to be pondering a return to Italy, with the Serie A outfit Napoli.
Rumors started to swirl when Maradona, speaking to Milan-based newspaper, La Gazzetta dello Sport, declared his dream of managing Argentina well after this edition of the World Cup, as well as coaching Napoli.
“I hope to manage Argentina still for many years but I would like to realize another dream. Seeing that dreams never die: To manage Napoli (in the Serie A)… I lived in Italy for seven years and having been in Naples, it was more like 14 years and I will always keep those people in my heart. I know that now since Italy was eliminated, the Neapolitans will support Argentina. For this, I will always keep them in my heart and even if others do it, I will never speak badly about their city.”
Maradona has always stated that Naples has a special place in his heart. Napoli fans have been affected by the Maradona magic just like the supporters of Boca Juniors and the whole of Argentina. And through the years, the colourful footballer has developed a cult status in Naples to a degree that is difficult to describe.
As they say in Naples, “There is the sea, Vesuvius and Maradona.” If you ever meet a young man in his 20s from Naples called “Diego,” most likely he was named after Maradona.
However, former Napoli director Pierpaolo Marino does not believe that Naples will see one of its favorite “adopted” sons anytime soon. "I don't believe in this rumour at all," said Marino. "I will only believe it if Maradona himself says it.”
Moreover, Marino said that current Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is doing a fine job and there is no valid reason to replace the boss of the Partenopei.
Marino also stated that Maradona’s long-standing financial troubles in Italy will prove to be a hurdle for the Argentine. "He has fiscal issues here in Italy, and cannot return as a worker in this country.”
"I think that Napoli fans will need to wait a while to see Diego on the bench again. Mazzarri is doing a fantastic job currently,” added the former Napoli director.
While Maradona’s intention of managing Napoli will not come to fruition anytime soon, he will at least get to coach Argentina for a few more years, despite La Albiceleste’s World Cup failure. Argentina was defeated by Germany, 4-0, in the quarterfinals.
Julio Humberto Grondona, the head of the Argentine football governing body, will not be asked to vacate the managing position of La Albiceleste. The AFA head assured that if any decision would be made, it would have to come from Diego Maradona himself, as the AFA has no intention of firing the legend.
"The decision depends on Maradona, he still has a contract with us," added the head of Argentine football.
He further explained that Maradona remains the “people’s choice,” in handling La Seleccion. To put it simply, the ball is in Maradona’s side of the pitch. "Maradona is the only person in the country that can do whatever he wants."
Maradona, for his part, has hinted that he may give up his position as Argentina coach, saying “my time is up” when asked by reporters. "That is it, my time has finished. I have given all that I have."
Napoli will have to wait until the dust has settled. Before Maradona can achieve his dream of managing Napoli, the controversial trainer must first decide if he wants to continue coaching Argentina or not.
El Diego’s club coaching career would have to wait.
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