Diego Maradona praised for helping Newcastle United

Oct 14 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

DIEGO Maradona has been thanked for helping Newcastle United’s promotion push after he assured their Argentinian internationals they did not have to leave St James’s Park to play in next summer’s World Cup.

Argentina got their qualification campaign back on track with a nervous 2-1 win over Peru last weekend, with Newcastle’s Jonás Gutiérrez starting the match at right-back.

United centre-back Fabricio Coloccini was also named in the squad before withdrawing with a groin strain and Newcastle’s caretaker manager Chris Hughton has praised the attitude of Maradona.

Although one of the world’s best-ever players has had a difficult start to his coaching career, Hughton argued Maradona had done the Magpies a massive favour by reassuring Coloccini and Gutiérrez they would continue to be considered for selection even if they stayed to help get Newcastle back into the Premier League this season.

Hughton said: “It would have been pleasing for them to hear what Maradona said and good for us as well. He has stood by that and Jonas started at right-back against Peru at the weekend, so that shows how much he is valued.

“He is a player he wants in the team. The fact we are now in a different division and Jonás is still playing for one of the top nations in the world says that playing in the Championship has not changed the mentality of the national team coach. It has been an important decision for us. It would be massive for

them to get to the World Cup. With all players who have the massive target of playing in a World Cup, it has a major influence on their performances towards the end of the season.

There will be a few nervy moments I’m sure, but to cement a place would help them in terms of playing for us as well.

“It would be good news and we hope they manage to do that.