Published on June 06, 2005

[SOCCER] Football legend Diego Maradona has been invited to play in a charity match in Thailand next month, but whether he can still bend over far enough to lace up his boots is another matter.

Maradona has been invited to play for the World All Star team, which is being managed by Pele, arguably the greatest player of all time, and includes such great names as former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona, 1990 World Cup winners Rudi Voller and Andreas Brehme of Germany, former Brazil captain Carlos Dunga and Maradona’s old partner Claudio Caniggia.

Since quitting professional soccer in 1997 Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986 and the final in 1990, has grown unrecognisably fat as he struggles to overcome his cocaine addiction.

After undergoing a stomach stapling operation in March in an effort to reduce his weight, reports say the 44-year-old Argentine is getting healthier, and thinner.

Thepitak Chansuthep, the chairman of Thailand’s Senior Football Association, said he has been negotiating with Maradona to get him to join the World All Stars team.

“Maradona has asked for Bt1 million to play and I think it is acceptable. So if there are not any

other problems, we could reach a deal soon,” said Thepitak.

“If he does come, it will be an historic moment as we will have two of the greatest players in history [Maradona and Pele] joining us.

“This game is for charity and the tickets are very cheap. Fans should not miss this opportunity,” he added.

Thepitak also said that Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Thepsuthin would captain the Thai side which consisted of former national team players including veteran striker Kiatisak “Zico” Senamuang.

He was also planning to ask Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be the honourable captain.

The game is being held to raise funds for victims of the tsunami and to promote tourism in the south of Thailand where the devastating waves hit last year.

The match will be played at the Suphachalasai Stadium on July 30. Tickets are available at Bt100, Bt200 and Bt300.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

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