Diego Maradona to play a charity match in Kolkata
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Argentinian legend Diego Maradona has confirmed a two-day visit to Kolkata in September where he will play a charity match against Sourav Ganguly. Maradona's visit will also mark the start of the footballing carnival in India as the nation is all set to host the U-17 FIFA World Cup in October.
Maradona will take a two-day trip to India when he will visit Kolkata on the 18th and 19th of September. Kolkata will be hosting the Under-17 FIFA World Cup Final in October and Maradona's visit will figuratively mark the start of the footballing season. This will be the 1986 World Cup winner's second visit to India after he was welcomed to the City of Joy in December 2008.
Maradona confirmed his visit via video-conferencing where he expressed his joy and excitement for the trip.
âIt is such an honour for me to be able to make this trip. Kolkata is a very special place and I have good memories from my trip there many years ago, the fans were fantastic,â said the 56-year old, reported PTI.
âIndia is a very passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a whole new generation of fans while continuing to spread the overwhelming love that I have for this beautiful game.â
Maradona's visit will be even more special this time as he will feature in a charity match against former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on September 19, the day of Mahalaya which marks the beginning of Durga Puja.
Satadru Dutta, who is the partner of 7d Ventures and Founder of
âThis will be called the âMatch for Unityâ, and will not be an 11-a-side. We will try to ensure that Maradona remains in the spotlight. Besides Ganguly, there will be a host of other celebrities. We are finalising the venue,â he said.
âIt will be followed
