Appetiser May 20: He drives his car over the foot of a photographer and then shouts: What an a.hole you are! How can you put your leg there where it can get run over? Maradona had come to the Argentina FA headquarters to announce his World Cup squad and surprised many by excluding Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso; both of whom played for Champions League winners Inter Milan May 23: Explains why he grew a beard. I grew it because my dog almost ate my mouth and left me a big scar. But the more interesting bit was to follow. Maradona promises to run naked if Argentina win the World Cup. If we win the World Cup,Ill naked run around the Obelisk. Curtain-raiser June 1: He holds his first conference in South Africa and shows reporters a photo of himself with his grandson Benjamin,whose father is Argentine striker Sergio Aguero. He is brash and says that he is really scared of what his team has been doing in training because they have been frighteningly good. First blood June 12: All eyes are on Maradona as Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Nigeria. For the first time he unveils his theatrics from the sidelines. The cameras are focused on him as much on the players. Gabriel Heinze nods one in to give El Diegos side a 1-0 win. After the game Maradona talks with a child-like innocence. In 2006 I was just another fan. Today it was special. I want to thank everyone for their support. This is so new to me. Hitting out June 16: So Planiti and Pele decide to criticise Maradonas tactical acumen. The press get excited and tell Maradona about the broadside launched at him. Not one to take things lying down,Maradona gives it I would tell Pele to go back to the museum. Im not surprised by what Platini said. I always had a distant relationship with him. I pay no attention. These two - have they nothing more important to do than talk rubbish about me? Ladies man June 17: A 4-1 demolition of South Korea suits Maradona just right. Maradona kisses each of his 23 players,who he terms as wildcats in the tunnel before and after the game. When questions are raised about his sexual preferences,Maradona replies: No! I like women! Im dating Veronica. She is 31. She is blonde. She is very pretty! Dont start rumours about me. I may have my weaknesses towards some of my players,but thats normal. He also apologies to Platini and blames the press for misquoting the Frenchman. But he makes it clear that he wont apologise to Pele. Jabulani attack June 22: After Argentina beat Greece 2-0 Maradona decides that he doesnt like the Jabulani. Ill must tell these FIFA bosses to work on having a proper ball. Hails Jose June 24: Ahead of the knock-outs Maradona reveals that he is a fan a maverick Jose Mourinho. I have his number. I may call him anytime. El Diego says that he has great respect for Mourinho. He also adds that he spent a lot of time with Mourinho discussing football. Heart and soul June 27: Argentina beat Mexico 3-1. So what did he tell the boys before the game? All the experiences of my life,today I gave them to my players with all my soul and heart. One more scrap June 28: The Argentine coach believes that Messi is being targetted by defenders. He compares it to his treatment by Italy defender Claudio Gentile in the 1982 World Cup. Its like we are going 20 years into the past. Like we are going back to Gentile. When Messi takes the ball,they go for his legs. It worries me. Gentile responds. I have to agree with Pele and Platini. Maradona is a charlatan not a coach. Hes just a buffoon. Germany beckon July 1: Germanys Bastian Schweinsteiger believes that Argentine players dont respect referees and he says it on the eve of the quarterfinal,a repeat of the 2006 match between the two sides,one which Argentina lost. Seriously,we dont have time to think about Schweinsteiger. All we think about is the game. And revenge. End game? July 3: He is left frustrated as Germany outclass his side. Maradona looks grim. After the 4-0 defeat he kisses and hugs his boys. I could walk away tomorrow,but I dont know. Im going to be 50 on 30 October,and this is the hardest thing I have had to go through since the day I retired from football. It was like a smack in the face from Muhammad Ali. I am drained of strength,but will I leave? I really dont know.
