Maradona on two-day visit to Kolkata in September

Argentina football icon Diego Maradona on Wednesday said he will visit Kolkata in the third week of September. The hero of the South American nation's 1986 World Cup win will take part in a series of programmes in the city on September 19 and 20.

Maradona, who will set foot at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport late in the night of September 18, would be on his second outing in the eastern metropolis. The former Argentina captain had earlier toured the city for two days in December, 2008.

"It is such an honour for me to be able to make this trip. Kolkata is a very special place and I have good memories from my trip there many years ago, the fans were fantastic," Maradona said in a video message.

"India is a very passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a whole new generation of fans while continuing to spread the overwhelming love that I have for this beautiful game."

As per the tentative programme, the Napoli club legend would take the field for a charity match.

"The plans are not confirmed yet, but he will play a charity match. Sourav Ganguly may take part in the match," Satadru Dutta, partner of 7d Ventures and founder of Moksh Sports Ventures which are the promoters of the trip, told IANS.

The 56-year-old will also be felicitated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a foundation 'Ami Banglai Dekhi Swapno'.

--IANS

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