Diego Maradona arrives in Kochi to tumultuous welcome

Kannur: Soccer legend Diego Maradona arrived here to a tumultuous welcome from thousands of football crazy fans from all over the state. The Argentine World Cup winning captain is in the State for Wednesday's inauguration of a new showroom of Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers and Airlines, for which he is the brand ambassador.

Maradona, on a two-day trip to the state, arrived by a chartered helicopter from Nedumabassery International airport at Kochi. Tight security was in place in the city, which saw a festive atmosphere with hundreds of fans pouring in from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kasargod districts. About 2000 police personnel were enlisted for security.

Maradona, who led Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 1986, waved to the crowds after landing at Kannur, a city which has hosted many international and national soccer tournaments. The FIFA player of the 20th century along with Pele in 2000, had come to India once before for a function in Kolkata in 2008.

The FIFA player of the 20th century along with Pele in 2000, had come to India once before for a function in Kolkata in 2008.

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