I am not a God, a simple footballer: Maradona

Bengaluru, December 11: Diego Maradona might be a god for millions of football lovers. But the Argentine legend called himself a "simple footballer."

"I am not the God of Football but a simple footballer. I'm happy to be here in Kolkata again," Maradona said during a charity event in Sreebhumi Sporting Club, Kolkata.

Maradona handed out cheques worth Rs 10000 each to 11 cancer patients and flagged off an air-conditioned ambulance during the function.

The club, known for its Durga Puja celebrations, was packed to the brim. Many were seen standing on rooftops of the adjoining buildings, making it an electrifying atmosphere.

He unveiled a 12-feet statue of him holding aloft the 1986 World Cup trophy and it would be erected at a park named after name.

"It's amazing to have my statue here," he said. Earlier, an audio-visual of the Argentine legend greeted him at the venue as Maradona arrived with his girlfriend.

Maradona was presented with a traditional scarf on the stage and a gold bracelet by the organisers.

Maradona will take on cricket icon Sourav Ganguly in an exhibition match titled 'Diego vs Dada' in Barasat, about 35 kilometres from the city, on Tuesday.