English Premiership
Maradona open to Villa idea
2010-08-15 17:07
London - Argentine football legend Diego Maradona would not rule out coming to England to take over Aston Villa, according to a newspaper report on Sunday.
Maradona is currently out of work after being sacked as Argentina manager last month, while Premier League side Villa are currently manager-less following Martin O'Neill's sensational exit last week.
A report in the Sunday Mercury quoted Maradona's official European representative, Walter Soriano, as saying Maradona is currently poring over several options that could take him to England.
Soriano reportedly called on Villa owner Randy Lerner to show his interest by calling the former Argentina striker, whose 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup still grates with fans around the country.
"I think Diego would be very open to the idea of coming to England and managing Aston Villa," Soriano is quoted as saying in the Midlands-based paper.
"He is very attracted to English football and the way of life in your country and I know he would be very willing to move there.
"He loves the English countryside and your respect for privacy, so he would be very happy there, especially at a big club like Aston Villa.
He added: "If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I am sure he would get a very positive response.
"Diego is currently talking with a number of clubs in Europe - including another one in England - about a management role and is looking at his options carefully."
Maradona was sacked as coach of Argentina two weeks ago, following his team's stunning 4-0 collapse against Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals.
A report last week suggested, however, that Maradona was a candidate to replace himself.