Only a handful greet Maradona upon his arrival in Kolkata

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Kolkata, December 10: Argentine football legend Diego Maradona finally kept his date with the football-crazy city for a three-day private trip, which was originally scheduled in September.

Sporting a blue T-shirt and a cap, the Argentine and his female companion landed past 7 pm via Dubai and headed straight to the hotel in New Town, Rajarhat.

This was the 1986 World Cup winner's second visit to the city. Maradona had visited Kolkata in December 2008 and back then, thousands of fans gathered near the airport and even lined up in the streets to welcome the football icon.

However, this trip was mired in postponements and an air of uncertainty till the last minute. Understandably, it was a low-key arrival for Maradona only a handful of journalists and some officials were seen at the airport and the hotel.

"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.

"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."

Originally scheduled to arrive on September 19, on the day of Mahalaya to kickstart the auspicious Durga Puja festival, Maradona was to unveil his statue besides inaugurating a north Kolkata pandal.

With Durga Puja over, Maradona's schedule has been altered a bit as he will now meet some cancer-afflicted patients in a charity at the same club and will also lay foundation stone of his statue tomorrow afternoon.

He also has some sponsors committments towards the evening and will attend a gala dinner.

The much-hyped Dada versus Diego exhibition involving Kolkata cricket icon Sourav Ganguly will now take place on December 12 on the outskirts of Barasat, about 35 kilometres from the city.

It is, however, not clear whether Maradona would play the full match as he had undergone a shoulder surgery a few days back.