Maradona eyes Premier League coaching role

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has revealed his desire to manage in the English Premier League.

Maradona is seeking a new challenge after parting company with the Argentina national side which he lead to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup.

The former World Cup-winning captain, who will celebrate his 50th birthday on Saturday, is now seeking a return to management, and admitted he was attracted by England’s top flight.

He told Sky Sports News: “Yes, I would like to manage in the Premier League.

“It has very good teams, an exceptional level and great players.

“The only problem is all the teams I like in England have good coaches.

“If any important job comes along I will accept it.”

Maradona has been linked with a number of posts in recent months, including the Aston Villa job, but insists he was never in the running to accept a role.

“I want to make it clear that I didn’t offer myself for any job, nor did anyone offer me anything,” he said.

“But I know I will go back with the national team some day, that is my fate. I’m waiting.”

Maradona remains bitter about his exit as Argentina head coach after it had seemed his contract would be extended by Argentine Football Association.

“They took away the national team from me unfairly,” he said.

“I don’t want to talk about it, it doesn’t deserve any words. I am in too good a mood to talk about people who don’t deserve my words.

“But I do miss the national team.”