In a 2005 interview in Doha, Qatar, Diego Maradona refused to apologise for his infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. Speaking to an English journalist, Maradona said: 'You have to use any advantage you can on the football field.' When asked what he would tell a youngster who punched the ball into the net, he replied with a twinkle: 'I would say "good, very good."'
Maradona's Early Support for VAR
Despite his controversial goal, Maradona was an early supporter of VAR, insisting it was the only way forward. He smiled: 'But if they had it in 1986 perhaps England would have been champions. I scored two beautiful goals in that game.' VAR was eventually introduced in football 15 years later, in 2018.
Personal Reflections on Addiction and Family
Maradona, who died aged 60 in 2020, spoke openly about his cocaine addiction. He said: 'I was addicted to cocaine. But life is now worth living again. I am so much happier now. I wake up every morning and see my daughters - that is very special.' He added: 'The one thing I missed in the past was seeing my daughters each day growing up. That's how very important to me. Life is worth living. I was addicted to cocaine. I was consuming myself and wiping myself out.'
Praise for Wayne Rooney
Maradona was keen to discuss England star Wayne Rooney ahead of the 2006 World Cup. He said: 'Back in 1986 I helped Argentina win the World Cup. Can Wayne Rooney do the same for England next year? Yes no doubt. He has the same characteristics as me both as a player and a person. He is a great player, a powerful player, but I do think he needs more guidance, more leadership.'
Memorable Encounter
The journalist recalled watching the 'Hand of God' goal in a snooker hall in Reading in 1986, screaming 'you f***ing cheat' at the TV. When they met, Maradona warmly shook his hand and was gracious, kind, and insisted he could ask any questions. When asked who the best player ever was — Pele, Johan Cruyff, or himself — Maradona said: 'My mum says it's me … and everyone listens to my mum!'
