Diego Maradona’s last interview: I was loved

Maradona’s last interview – told about life

From: Andreas Käck

Published: November 26, 2020 kl. 00.05
Updated: November 26, 2020 kl. 00.39

Diego Maradona had recently returned to Argentine soccer.

In his last major interview, he said he wasn’t sure how they would receive it.

“I was wondering if people still loved me,” he told Clarín.

After an active career, Diego Maradona continued active in soccer as a coach. In 2008-2010 he was in charge of the Argentine team. Then he embarked on adventures around the world. A trip that took him to Al-Wasl and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico.

On September 5, 2019, after working abroad for several years, he returned to Argentine soccer and became the new head coach of Gimnasia de La Plata.

On the occasion of his 60th birthday at the end of October, he made his last great interview with the most important morning newspaper in the country, Clarín.

“Forever grateful”

Then Maradona recounted the enormous support he felt from the people.

– I will always be eternally grateful to the people of this country. They surprise me every day. What I have experienced during this comeback in Argentine football is something I will never forget. It has exceeded all my expectations. The fact is that I was away for a long time, and sometimes I wondered if people still loved me, if they felt the same as always. Once I hit the field in Gymnastics that day when I was introduced (as the new head coach) I felt a flood of love, he said.

Photo: TT / GETTY IMAGES

Diego Maradona was moved to tears by the welcome when he returned to Argentine soccer last year.

“Soccer gave me everything”

In the interview, Maradona was also asked what has been the best and worst of his life and if there is anything that he regrets.

Answered:

– I did what I did and I am very satisfied with it. Soccer gave me everything I have, more than I ever wanted. If I hadn’t had those addiction problems, I could have done so much more. But now it’s history, I’m fine. My most regret is the passing of my parents. I always wish I could have another day with “Tota” (her mother), but I know that she takes care of me from heaven and feels pride and joy.

Maradona was also asked to make a birthday wish to the Argentine people.

– So I want the corona pandemic to end as soon as possible so that Argentina can start moving forward. I want all Argentines to feel good. We have a wonderfully beautiful country and I am confident that our President can help us through this difficult time. It makes me very sad to see children who don’t have enough food on the table. I know how it feels and it is something that should not happen in this country, he said.

Published: November 26, 2020 kl. 00.05

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