Maradona backs Tevez

Maradona backs Tevez


Diego Maradona has opened his heart about his love and admiration for Carlos Tevez - and backed his fellow Argentine to become a Manchester United legend.

The former Argentina star has arranged a trip to England to watch Tevez in action at Old Trafford in their Premiership clash with Wigan on October 6.

It will be a special pilgrimage for Maradona who will take part in the "Hand of God" rematch between the England and Argentina teams of 1986 at Villa Park on October 14.

But Maradona is equally keen to see Tevez as he treats him like a son and the pair have an incredibly strong bond of mutual respect.
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Maradona even played a role in persuading Tevez to go to Old Trafford in the summer as he is such a big admirer of English football and believes Tevez will be a huge success alongside Wayne Rooney.

Maradona said: "Tevez is like a son to me - from the moment I met him I have felt like that. I met him six years ago when he was at Boca Juniors and instantly I could see he was going to be great. "He reminded me of when I was his age - the hunger and the passion for the game.

Every second he had a ball with him he was happy.

"We are still so close and my ex-wife and his wife are very good friends.

"I can't wait to get over to England and see him and for him to come to watch me play.

"I will make sure he sees a good game when we play England. I still have the hunger to play well and score goals and that's what I will do."

Tevez, 23, has been compared to Maradona because they are both compact and strong and came up through the Boca Juniors ranks.

Former West Ham and Corinthians star Tevez is often called "Little Maradona" and the man himself believes the striker will go from strength to strength at Old Trafford.

Tevez scored his first United goal in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea and, on the eve of tonight's Carling Cup third-round clash against Coventry at Old Trafford, Maradona predicts it will be the first of many.

"He is a fantastic player," said Maradona. "He is very strong on the ball and has amazing vision."

The 46-year-old Argentine legend has also revealed his admiration for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and England star Rooney who he believes will form a lethal partnership with Tevez.

Maradona turned down the chance to come to England in his heyday - but would have fancied a move to the Premier League as it now is.

"Alex Ferguson been a great manager - any manager who can have the success he has had must be very good," said Maradona.

"Of course he likes Argentine players like Tevez, Heinze and Veron - Argentine players are the best in the world! He likes attacking players.

"Rooney is a fantastic player - young and fearless and has a passion for winning. As a pair Rooney and Tevez have everything. You just need to make sure their styles are suited - only time will tell.

"I like a few teams from England - Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and of course Manchester United. I watch as many games as I can from the Premier League. It is fast and exciting.

"I had opportunities to go to England, but I made the moves I wanted. If I was younger now and teams like Manchester and Chelsea asked me then I would seriously consider it.

"I like all the top teams but Boca Juniors are my team. Once I was in hospital and I made the doctor let me go the game - I had the drip in my arm and he came with me." Maradona, currently in one of his healthy phases off booze and drugs and slimmed down again, is in training for next month's 1986 World Cup quarter-final rematch.

The whole Argentina team is coming over with their coach Carlos Bilardo, while England have signed up the likes of Chris Waddle, Bryan Robson and Gary Lineker to take part.

/Manchester United are ready to give Danny Welbeck, 16, an amazing firstteam debut in the Carling Cup tonight.

The England youth starlet, who can play on either wing, is in the squad to face Coventry City - and could figure from the bench at some stage.