Maradona eyes Dubai stay but not with Al Wasl
Diego Maradona wants to remain in his role as global ambassador for the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) “for many more years” after ruling out a return to Al Wasl.
Following Sunday’s resignation of the same Wasl board which sacked him last July at the Zabeel Stadium, Maradona said he would be open to coaching the Pro League club again if former chairman Marwan bin Bayat was reinstated.
However, speaking in Dubai last night, Maradona revealed the manner in which he was dismissed is still an issue for him. He said: “I still have the same will to coach as usual, but the chapter with Al Wasl is over. I was terminated via Twitter. This was not professional so I am not thinking of returning.”
Maradona has instead set his sights on prolonging his stay with the DSC having penned a 12-month deal shortly after leaving Wasl.
The DSC have thus far remained coy on whether they will offer an extension beyond the expiry of his current deal in July, but should one be forthcoming, Maradona will gladly put pen-to-paper.
He added: “I’m really willing to renew for three years more. I really want to stay here. I’m pleased with the work I’m doing with the Dubai Sports Council and I love Dubai.”
Aside from Wasl, Louis Nicollin, owner of Ligue 1 Montpellier, last week claimed the World Cup winner had expressed an interest in the soon-to-be vacant post at Stade de la Mosson with current coach Rene Girard leaving the club at the end of the season.
But Maradona has rubbished Nicollin’s comments, insisting no approach or talks have taken place, and accused the reigning French champions of using his name as a marketing ploy.
“There is nothing true in this story. Maybe from time to time some chairman create this news to build interest. But I didn’t get in touch with anyone at Montpellier for this matter,” he said.
“The most important thing for me is to renew here (with DSC) and stay here. It’s the only thing that is giving me nightmares at the moment. I want to stay here for many more years.”
Maradona donned his shorts and football boots to make his debut for the DSC over-38’s side in the 7 Up Dubai Government Entities Football League at Dubai Police Officers club last night.
And while he may be a little heavier and a little greyer than his halcyon days in the late 1980s, Maradona has certainly not lost any of his star quality.
Two goals – one from the penalty spot and the other from a free-kick – as well as an assist from a corner secured the DSC a 3-2 win over Dubai Courts.
READ MORE:
- Maradona refuses to rule out Al Wasl return
- A PR stunt? Montpellier end Maradona pursuit
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