Diego Maradona, the great Argentine footballer who was among the best players in history, passed away on Wednesday. Famous for his ‘Mano de Dios’ goal, Maradona wowed fans during a two-decade career with a fascinating style of play that was entirely his own.
West Bengal in general, and Kolkata in particular, is known to be the hotbed of Indian football, and the country’s most die-hard football fans represent their city with great pride and fervor. In addition to the fanatical supporters enjoyed by archrivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, the city of Kolkata lives and breathes football, and teams around the world are fervently supported.
“DEIGO vs DADA Match for Unity”
We remember the day when Maradona finally kept his date with the frenzied city of Calcutta and arrived in India on December 11, 2017. Maradona appeared in the highly publicized ‘Diego versus Dada’ exhibition match, but skipped the football match beneficial. – Match for Unity: due to a right hand injury. However, the legendary footballer spent time with the school kids, who were seen wearing the famous number 10 jerseys.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly took part in the 40-minute exhibition match and said it was a “pleasure” to see the great Argentine up close.
“It would have been great if Maradona had played. He had an injury so he couldn’t play. He’s too good a player. Age has caught up with him now, but even then seeing him up close is a pleasure,” Ganguly told reporters afterward. of the party.
I’m here for football: Maradona in 2017
Maradona, who had attended a soccer workshop earlier that day, shook hands with the players and kicked off the match.
Former Indian footballers Shyam Thapa, Prasun Banerjee, Dipendu Biswas, Sisir Ghosh, Biswajit Bhattacharya, Alvito D’Cunha were among those participating in the match along with Bengal cricket captain Manoj Tiwary and fast pitcher Shib Shankar Paul .
“I am here for football. It is a great step, which we take with the minister, to improve football in India,” Maradona said.
“India really has good players and a soccer school with children. Your minister and I must end this idea that soccer wants India and India wants soccer. Together with the minister and the people, we will bring a soccer ball. I have always been very well received in India. Thanks and kisses! “Maradona added.
