Maradona named head coach of Al Wasl
Reuters - Monday 16 May 2011, 11:26
DUBAI - Diego Maradona has signed a
two-season contract to coach Dubai's Al Wasl, the club said on
Monday.
"Al Wasl can now confirm soliciting the services of one of
the greatest footballers of all time," the club said in a
statement.
The deal was finalised "after lengthy negotiations held with
Maradona" said the club, adding that they hoped the 50-year-old
former Argentina captain would take the team to new heights.
Details of Maradona's contract would be revealed at a news
conference next month when he would be introduced to the club.
"The value of the contract is worthy of the stature and
reputation of the great legend," Marwan Bin Bayat, chairman of
Al Wasl Football Co., said.
A source told Reuters on Sunday that the deal was 85 percent
done.
Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986,
while his last coaching role was also with his national side.
His spell as Argentina coach ended last July after the
country's football association voted unanimously not to renew
his contract following the team's 4-0 thrashing by Germany in
the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa.
Maradona takes up the job with Al Wasl, who are fourth in
the domestic league, 16 points behind leaders Al Jazira, with
five matches to go.
Signing Maradona is the latest move by Dubai to flex its
football muscles after a private firm Royal Emirates Group
bought struggling Spanish La Liga club Getafe for up to 90
million euros last month.
Former Italy World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro plays
for Dubai rivals Al Ahli.