And then came a poser, but tongue-in-cheek as he is, Maradona scored off it spectacularly. Asked who was the greatest of them all — Pele or himself — El Diego replied: “My mother considers me as the greatest. And if she thinks so, then surely I’m the greatest.”

How is life as the Argentina coach? “I don’t have any pressure or tension. They are a great team, among the top four in the world. I enjoyed a lot as a footballer and now I’m utilising my experience as a coach. I cannot predict anything about the 2010 World Cup, but we have the potential to go the distance.”

And who could be his trump card? “Lionel Messi is young and has time on his side. I would like to see him playing like the way I played in the 1986 World Cup.” Asked whom did he rate higher, Messi or Ronaldinho, the Argentina coach played safe. “Ronaldinho has earned a lot. Messi has the talent to reach there.”

But what would be music to the ears of football fans in India was the fact that Maradona claimed he was willing to help Indian football once he is through with the Argentine national team. “After the contract is over, I would like to come back here and do something for Indian football. This morning I was talking about a project with the organisers,” he said.

Can India ever produce its own Maradona? “Not impossible. But the footballers have to be given lots of attention and affection. Proper infrastructure and security are needed to help grow talent. My best wishes for Indian football,” he said.

... contd.