Maradona twice on the spot at testimonial
( 2001-11-11 10:27 ) (7 )

maradona

Diego Maradona received a rapturous reception at the Bombonera stadium ahead of his testimonial match between the Argentine national side and an all-star line-up in Buenos Aires on Saturday - and netted twice from the penalty spot in a 6-3 win.

Wild scenes among the 50,000 crowd ensued ahead of the match as the diminutive former number ten appeared on the stadium's giant screen to greet fans.

"I thank all those here in the stadium with all my heart, all this love and affection means so much to me. I hope I can give you something to remember me by," said the former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli star before the kickoff.

The 41-year-old, who in recent years has had to overcome drug problems, delighted the fans near the end when he took off the national shirt to finish in the blue and yellow of Boca Juniors.

Brazil legend Pele fared less well and was whistled and booed by fans when he made a brief appearance on the pitch beforehand though he smiled graciously through his ordeal.

Pele added he fancied Argentina to run France close at the World Cup next summer.

"France and Argentina are by far the best teams in the world," said Pele.

"But there are eight months to go and a lot can happen."

Football's world governing body FIFA, meanwhile, are unhappy at the Argentine football federation's decision to "retire" the Argentine number ten shirt in homage to Maradona, who skippered the Argentines on the night.