Maradona interested in Napoli job

Former Argentina striker Diego Armando Maradona has expressed interest in taking over Napoli, according to his agent.

Waltar Mazzari, who led Napoli to a second spot in Serie A, confirmed he is looking to leave the club at the end of the season. Napoli president De Laurentiis revealed the next manager’s name would begin with M.

Ex-Man City boss Roberto Mancini has been widely recognized as the most likely candidate to succeed Mazzari, but Maradona’s agent Angelo Pistan said his client would be an ideal manager for Napoli.

Pisani said: “The only coach with a big M for Napoli is Diego Maradona.”

It should be recalled that it is in Napoli where Maradona’s football career reached its heights, with Argentinian spending seven years at the club and securing legendary status. He led his side to two Serie A titles, and the UEFA Cup in 1989. After his departure in 1991 the club has decided to retire the number 10 jersey in his honour.

And yet Maradona has been far less successful in his coaching career. He was in charge of Argentina national side for two years, but failed to reach any significant successes, despite having arguably the most talented squad in the history at his disposal. He also coached Al Wasl in Dubai for a year before being axed in 2012.

Maradona’s agent said: “He would be very happy for having the chance of returning to the club, maybe as a sports director or simply for being with the team in Europe. He would be suitable at any role. I don’t know if De Laurentiis sees this as a possibility, but Diego would be the best representative of the city,” Pisani added.