Soccer-frenzied fans cheer Maradona in Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 8 (ANI): Diego Maradona mesmerised a lustily cheering crowd as he attended an exhibition soccer match here last evening.

The exhibition game in Maradona's honour was organised at the grounds of Mohun Bagan club, one of the oldest soccer clubs in Kolkata.

The Argentine national coach showed that he still retained some of his skills as he dribbled a ball and booted a number of footballs to the gallery.

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The budding stars touched Maradona's feet in reverence as they were introduced to him ahead of the match.

Football fans said it was a dream come true for them to see the legend in flesh and blood.

"Well, it has been a dream since my childhood days, since I started realising football, to see Maradona in flesh and blood. This is a dream that is coming true," said Saptrishi, a soccer fan.Earlier, Maradona visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in the city to pay homage to its founder, Nobel Laureate Mother Teresa who died in 1997.

Accompanied by his friend Veronica, Maradona also visited the tomb of Mothereresa.

The soccer legend was in the country's soccer hub for a two-day visit.

Maradona inaugurated a private soccer academy on the outskirts of Kolkata on Saturday after being flown there by helicopter due to tight security following last week's Mumbai attacks. Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup triumph and took charge as national coach last month, said that he was confident his team would shine in the 2010 finals in South Africa. By Ajitha MenonANI)