Dubai: "Goalkeepers are a different breed," according to Diego Maradona who was left bemused by the reactions of shot-stoppers Majed Nasser, Walter Zenga and Peter Shilton on Tuesday night.
While Wasl goalkeeper Nasser, 27, has threatened premature retirement after receiving a 17 match ban for slapping the back of Al Ahli coach Quique Sanchez Flores' head following Wasl's Etisalat Cup semi final defeat to Ahli on March 11, Al Nasr coach Walter Zenga stands accused of making disparaging comments about UAE residents after his team's shock Pro League loss to Dubai on March 16.
On top of this keeper-turned-pundit Peter Shilton, Maradona's 1986 World Cup ‘hand of god' foe flew into Abu Dhabi for TV work recently without even coming to Dubai to shake hands with the Al Wasl coach.
Maradona said after his side's 3-1 win over Bahrain's Riffa to take Wasl to the top of Group D in the GCC Champions League at Zabeel Stadium on Tuesday night: "Goalkeepers always have different reactions to others."
Of Nasser, Maradona said: "Never in all my career did I feel the need to quit. Definitely there were many rough times but on the contrary football helped me get over it. I'd never leave football for anything. I urge Nasser to reconsider because keepers last a long time in the game and he still has a long journey ahead of him. He has a lot left to perform and give back to football."
"We were appealing against Nasser's ban and then he announced his retirement. We are trying to convince him against it. It was a harsh ban. He's apologised and deeply regrets his actions but no-one seems to care about his feelings. I will convince him to stay in the game because he plays a vital role for his club and country," Maradona said.
Meanwhile Maradona said of Zenga, who was quoted as saying "everyone is crazy in this country": "I spoke to Zenga and asked him what happened. We both live here in the UAE and compete against one another. After speaking to Zenga I know he meant no disrespect. His comments were specific to people in the local football industry not the country. He loves it here and his comments were misinterpreted. It wasn't political. I can guarantee nothing said was meant."
Finally of the fact ex England keeper Shilton flew in without visiting him, Maradona said: "Please get over it. This happened so many years back and you [Shilton] are the one who had to bend and bring the ball back from the net. For me, that incident is a memory. I am not living in the past."
"I don't mind shaking his hand but he is the one who did not invite me to his testimonial, saying I am a cheat. That's okay with me but I will not apologize for something that happened 25 years ago," he said.
