15 - 21 November 2001
Issue No.560
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 15 - 21 November 2001 Issue No.560 |
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The end game
DIEGO MARADONA received a rapturous reception at the Bombonera Stadium at his testimonial match between the Argentine national side and an all-star line-up in Argentina on Saturday -- and netted twice from the penalty spot in a 6-3 win.There were wild scenes among the 50,000-strong crowd before the match as the diminutive former No 10 appeared on the stadium's giant screen to greet fans.
"I thank all those here in the stadium with all my heart; all this love and affection means so much to me. I hope I can give you something to remember me by," said the former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli star before the kickoff.
The 41-year-old, who in recent years has had to overcome drug problems, delighted the fans near the end when he took off the national shirt to finish in the blue and yellow of Boca Juniors.
A host of former and current stars graced the occasion, including two Old Trafford heroes -- Eric Cantona and Juan Sebastian Veron. Bulgaria's Hristo Stoichkov, Peru's Nolberto Solano and Uruguay's Enzo Francescoli also turned out to honour the 1986 World Cup winner. Brazilian great Pele and French legend Michel Platini watched from the stands. Pele was whistled and booed by fans when he made a brief appearance on the pitch beforehand though he smiled graciously through his ordeal.
Maradona, who quit the game four years ago, had worked to shed 20 kilogrammes in the months leading up to the event and he received a rapturous and vociferous welcome.
Pablo Aimar scored twice, along with Maradona, and Claudio Lopez and Lucas Castorman got the other goals for Argentina. Davor Suker, Cantona and Rene Higuita scored for the Rest of the World.
But Maradona was the main attraction and he showed glimpses of the magic with which he impressed football audiences during his playing career. His first goal came via a suspicious penalty from which Maradona scored before tearing off his Argentine jersey to reveal a Boca Juniors shirt underneath.
Maradona's second penalty signalled the end of proceedings. "I'm never going to forget this," said Maradona. "It was an incredible experience. I could never have expected so much"
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