‘Terror strikes barbaric’

Meanwhile, Maradona condemned the recent terror strikes in Mumbai, terming them as “barbaric”.

“Common people, innocent people cannot protect themselves from such barbaric acts and fear for their lives. A person or groups take lives to create panic. They shouldn’t indulge in such acts,” he said.

If thousands had turned out in the morning at the airport, fans came out in even bigger numbers — about 1.15 lakh — at a felicitation programme at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (YBK). Defeaning cheers reverberated through the stadium as Maradona entered the arena in a Sedan. There was an exhibition football match in his honour. Maradona started off the proceedings with some juggling with the ball. Later, a wax replica of the football great was unveiled and he was presented with golden ball, golden boot and a diamond-studded trophy.

In between, however, there was a minor security breach as a person slipped in through the four-tier security cover to shake hands with the legend.