Maradona 'plans to visit Iran'
Head of International Committee of Iran’s Football Federation says Argentinean football legend Diego Maradona may pay a delayed visit to Iran.
"Maradona showed interest in visiting Iran some two years ago, but due to his engagement as Argentina’s coach, he could not come," IRNA quoted Abbas Torabian as saying.
Maradona, who is a fan of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is currently in the Chinese capital of Beijing as part of his charity programs.
Torabian also pointed out that the federation would make a further announcement as soon as the date of the visit had been finalized.
In addition, Iran’s Football Federation president Ali Kaffashian said that Maradona has already announced he wants to meet the Iranian political officials.
“We are making efforts to pave the way but nothing has been finalized so far,” Kaffashian added.
Maradona presented his autographed football shirt to the Iranian nation in late 2007 as a sign of his support and affection for the country.
In April 2008, President Ahmadinejad sent a message to the former World Cup-winning captain, expressing his thanks for the gift.
The Argentine football icon’s planned visit comes in the wake of his talks with Cuban President Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
President Ahmadinejad is himself a football fan. During a visit by Bolivian President Evo Morales in late October, the two presidents played a friendly futsal with top Iranian players.
Source: presstv.ir
