Diego Maradona has arrived in Dubai to start the latest bizarre chapter in his life as Al Wasl coach.
The 50-year-old Argentina legend touched down late Wednesday, greeting fans ahead of meetings with club staff to discuss plans to develop the squad.
Fresh start: Maradona is greeted by club officials after landing at Dubai International Airport;
Al Wasl this week signed Uruguay's Juan Manuel Olivera, who joins Chilean Edson Puch, and Omani defender Mohammed al-Shaiba. Mariano Donda, a 29-year-old Argentine midfielder for Godoy Cruz is widely speculated to be the fourth overseas import edition.
But it is the arrival of World Cup-winner Maradona that has raised the most eyebrows. Having gained recognition as one of the world's greatest ever players, and then leading Argentina to the 2010 World Cup, few expected to see Maradona managing in the Middle East.
Meet and greet: Maradona chats with Al Wasl chairman Marwan bin Bayat; MISS FB ,SAY..NAONA HICHO KIBEGI KIMEJAA " UNGA" naimanishaaaa....unga wa UJI...mbuta nanga!!
There had been rumours that he would regain the helm of the Argentina national side after their poor Copa America campaign led to Sergio Batista's resignation, but nothing materialised.
Kefah al Kaabi, a local TV pundit and former top-flight player, admitted the appointment was a strange move when the deal was confirmed in May.
Thumbs up: Maradona heads off to start his next adventure;
'Maradona is here to make some international headlines for the club and the country, which is good,' al Kaabi said. 'I doubt if he will stay as a coach with an Emirati club. He is a moody character and can change his mind an hour later. Such is his reputation.’
The Emirates' first-division Pro League season starts next month.
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