Kolkata’s long-cherished dream of a date with the ‘Hand of God’ came true when when Diego Armando Maradona touched down at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport in the early hours on Saturday.

Thousands thronged roads to get a glimpse of the football legend, as a specially-designed bus ferried the Argentine to the hotel. After a marathon flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Kolkata, the 48-year-old, who came with girlfriend Veronica, was overwhelmed at the reception.

“I thought there were no more surprises left in life,” said Maradona. “But my visit to Kolkata has changed that.

“I had never thought I was so popular in this part of the world. I got emotional,” said the 1986 World Cup-winning captain, here on a two-day visit.

Off to Maheshtala in the morning to lay the foundation stone of the Indian Football School, and he was still bubbling. Clad in a grey shirt and denim trousers, he was the cynosure of all eyes. “I’m very happy to be here,” he shouted in Spanish as the fans, holding the white and blue flag of Argentina, kept shouting ‘Diego, Diego’.

At the official media conference later, Maradona was still in his element. If anyone thought he had regrets about the controversial goal in the ‘86 final against England, they were in for disappointment. “The Hand of God goal is the best I have ever scored,” Maradona said.

But regrets were there. “I couldn’t spend enough time with my daughters Dalma and Giannina when they were growing up.”

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