Just weeks after having his tenure as manager of the Argentina football side brought to an end, Diego Maradona is planning a return to Europe for his 50th birthday next month.
The colourful maverick, responsible for the infamous Hand-of-God that dumped England out of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, enjoyed the peak of his playing days at Napoli, bringing the side their only two Scudetto titles in 1987 and 1990. Scoring 81 goals in 188 appearances over a seven-year period, Maradona spoke of how he will look back on his time in Southern Italy with great fondness.
"There are some things that remain inside of you and that even time can't erase," he said. "I left Italy at a moment of great physical and mental splendour because I was happy inside. Napoli was so important for the World Cup that I won in 1986."
Maradona is currently seeking approval from club president Aurelio De Laurentiis for a celebratory match on 30th October at the San Paolo stadium, featuring the Argentinean's former teammates.
"In life, I'd had everything: a family that I adore, a brilliant career and, today, I don't want anything else. My only desire is to return to Napoli so I can once again embrace the people who I have never forgotten."
After well-documented psychological turmoil throughout his life, including constant issues with body-weight and drug abuse, the event will bring only the happiest memories for the original flawed genius of the beautiful game.
"I spent the most beautiful and pleasant part of my existence at Napoli and I still have my best friends there."
