Word reaches me that Ossie plans not to attend my forthcoming talk at London’s Canning House on “The myth of Maradona (see news)”out of loyalty to his old friend”. Diego, as it is public knowledge, did not take kindly to the publication of my biography Hand of God, because it exposed his descent into drugs and other demons. The book could not have been written without the cooperation of several of Maradona’s friends who recognised that I was attempting to move beyond the normal confines of sports journalism to get at the truth of the flawed genius. Ardiles refused to be interviewed for the book after commenting, speaking of Maradona, that “the truth hurts.” He was one of a few number of people who refuse to co-operate with me on the project on the grounds that it was unauthorised and therefore disloyal to Maradona.
I respect Ossie’s attitude rather more that that of others whose reason for avoiding me turned out to be they had much too much to hide. My book Hand of God would not have been possible, however, without the help of many more both within Maradona’s intimate circle and outside it who provided much insight, comment, and fact. If Ossie hasn’t read the book, he should. He might not find it all that bad.
Jimmy, I sympathize with you, and saddened by the attitude of one of protagonists of a mile stone in English football, namely Spurs signing him and Villa. However you must remember too he left England (and walked out of Spurs) when the Falklands War began…so I don’t respect him that much as he appears to be more swayed by what others may think of him than the truth! Anyway, isn’t Maradona old news now? Far more interesting are they incredible financial irregularities of Laporta and Barcelona Football club that has plunged the club into bankruptcy. Couldn’t you write a book about money in football and how the big clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, etc have over 5 decades been able to gain access to funds and ensure success by buying the best players?