Maradona still confident of Al Wasl silverware

DUBAI: Diego Maradona is convinced that he can still land some silverware for Dubai’s Al Wasl FC this season, despite defeat in the Gulf Cup against Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq.

A mid-table finish in the UAE Pro League and early exits from both the Presidents Cup and Etisalat Cup meant that the Gulf Cup – which isn’t even an officially recognised Asian Federation tournament – looked like his last chance of justifying a salary package that includes a 6-bedroom villa, boat, the as yet unfinished Argentina island in The World project, all-you-can-spray Kouros aftershave and a personal helper from back home called Charles.

Sadly, the team’s defeat to Muharraq on penalties, in which they managed to lose a two-goal lead from the first leg, have two players sent off, and then leave their boots on the team bus, was the end of the dream for many.

But Maradona is defiant this year can still end in glory.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, the Argentinean announced that he has entered Al Wasl into the Euro 2012 Indoor 6-a-side tournament being held next week in Deira City Centre, and claimed he had high hopes of success.

“From what we’ve seen of the others playing, we’ll be up against a team of talented under 12s, and a side made up of workers in the mall’s food court,” he said.

“So I’m sure we can get, at the very least, a top three finish, and with it a 25 per cent discount on toiletries in all branches of Lulu Supermarket until August.”