Argentinian football icon Diego Maradona has stated he is ready to coach the national team, adding that he wants no financial reward for his coaching efforts.
“Yes, and I would do it [coach the team] for free,” Maradona said on a Venezuelan TV show, Reuters reported.
“I wouldn’t ask for anything in return,” he added.
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Maradona’s statement comes just several days after La Albiceleste were sensationally eliminated from the World Cup having suffered a disappointing 4-3 defeat to France in the last 16 leg.
The eccentric football star, who traveled to Russia to support his team, put on a spectacular show in the stands - becoming one of the most discussed football figures during the tournament. His inimitable antics during Argentina’s final group stage game against Nigeria caused a storm of Twitter memes to go viral.
“People think I am happy but my heart is heavy,” Maradona said about Argentina’s elimination. “I feel really bad that everything we built with so much effort we destroyed so easily.”
Maradona has the experience of managing the national team. Eight years ago he took charge of the squad which failed to overcome a quarter-final barrier at the 2010 World Cup losing to Germany 4-3. Argentina’s Football Association hasn’t yet announced its verdict regarding cooperation with the current manger Jorge Sampaoli whose contract expires in 2022.