Advertisement
El Diego

Maradona presented as new chairman of Belarus side Dynamo Brest

The Argentina icon has agreed a three-year deal with the Belorussian club.

DIEGO MARADONA HAS made a typically elaborate entrance to a new role at Dynamo Brest, with the Argentine icon having started work as the Belorussian club’s chairman.

The 1986 World Cup winner has signed a three-year contract after fulfilling his role as a FIFA ambassador at Russia 2018.

His new employers stood on the verge of bankruptcy back in 2016, with supporters often being asked to raise the funds for team jerseys.

They were rescued from that precarious position to become much more stable, but they are a side which have never tasted title glory in Belarus.

The arrival of an investor from the UAE has allowed them to win two domestic cups, though, and there are plans for a new 30,000-seater stadium to be constructed.

Maradona also forms part of the club’s ambitious plans for the future, with the 57-year-old excited to be involved.

He told reporters upon his arrival: “I am not afraid of the challenge, I am not afraid of the serious projects and these people seem very serious to me.

“I needed a challenge, an important project to show that I never stopped working.

“I take it with all the affection of the world, respecting the people who gave me this opportunity.

“We are going to have faith again, to grow together in harmony with a great team, taking the kids out of the academies to prove them and make them great.”

Maradona arrived in Brest on Monday by private jet and was paraded through the streets in front of an adoring public on a large jeep.

He then took in a game with FC Shakhtyor and proved to be a lively presence in the stands once again.

Dynamo Brest’s director of development Viktor Radkov said of Maradona’s arrival: “Given the fact that boss Diego will live in Brest, I think people will come from all over the world to watch the games.”

They will be hoping that the former Napoli and Barcelona forward can steer clear of controversy during his time in Belarus, with Maradona having made headlines for all of the wrong reasons once again at World Cup 2018.

His passionate support of Argentina saw his celebrations called into question, while he suffered health problems following a thrilling group stage victory over Nigeria.

Maradona was then forced to apologise to FIFA and the World Cup organisers after claiming that Colombia had been the victims of a “monumental robbery” in their penalty shoot-out defeat to England in the last 16.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Your Voice
Readers Comments
10
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel