In a peculiar encounter, I had the opportunity to discuss the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal with the late Diego Maradona himself. Maradona, who scored one of the most contentious goals in football history, expressed his willingness to talk about it with an Englishman but adamantly refused to apologize for it, stating that one must utilize any advantage available on the football field.
During our conversation in Doha, Qatar, in 2005, Maradona, a fervent advocate of VAR despite its potential to disallow his goal, emphasized the necessity of technological advancements in football. Reflecting on the past, he humorously mused that if VAR existed in 1986, perhaps England would have been crowned champions, acknowledging his pivotal role in that match.
Maradona, who passed away at the age of 60 in 2020, shared candidly about his past struggles with drug addiction, his family, and his admiration for English football icon Wayne Rooney. He highlighted the importance of his daughters in his life, underscoring the transformative impact they had on him and his decision to prioritize their well-being.
Expressing his insights on Rooney’s potential ahead of the 2006 World Cup, Maradona drew parallels between their playing styles and emphasized the need for guidance and leadership for the English star to achieve great success. When asked about his place among football legends like Pele and Johan Cruyff, Maradona humorously quipped that his mother believed he was the best, and everyone should listen to her.
Throughout our interaction, Maradona exhibited warmth and openness, reflecting on his personal growth and the influential role of family in shaping his values and priorities.
