Diego Maradona Remains Honorary Ambassador of Dubai Sports Council

Diego Maradona has signed a one year deal to remain as the honorary ambassador of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), with the aim of growing football in the UAE.

The Argentine initially took up the post in September 2012 after leaving Al Wasl and he described Dubai as his ‘second home.’

Maradona said: “I’m so proud to renew my contract here in Dubai. Thank you to Sheikh Hamdan because he promised me that I would be in Dubai for a long time, he told me that face-to-face. I trust him and he kept his promise.

“I am far from my country in Dubai I have my second home, and don’t doubt that I am going to work hard and I am going to offer all my experience to serving the Emirates, but for Dubai first of all.

“Dubai gave me aid, gave me the chance to feel football again. I don’t play football now, I’m outside but with this work and possibility then I am going to contribute to sport in Dubai.”

Maradona was criticised in his first year for not doing enough to push the DSC, but in his second year he will start a new children’s football academy, giving him a more hands-on role.