Argentine President Saddened by Maradona Sacking

BUENOS AIRES, KOMPAS.com - Argentina President Cristina Kirchner has expressed her sadness at Diego Maradona’s sacking as national football coach, saying the star did not deserve his treatment. Kirchner personally phoned Maradona after his press conference on Wednesday evening during which he lashed out at Argentine Football Federation president Julio Grondona and team manager Carlos Bilardo.

The 49-year-old Maradona has accused Grondona of lying and Bilardo of treason in a bitter attack on the two men he insisted plotted his downfall.

“I’m very saddened by his departure. I thought he was very dignified with the team,” said Kirchner. “He always defended the colours of his country with a lot of heart.”

The captain of the 1986 World Cup winners read from a prepared statement and refused to answer questions at the press conference.

“Grondona lied to me. Bilardo betrayed me,” said an emotional Maradona, whose colourful and controversial reign as Argentina coach came to an abrupt end on Tuesday.

“They asked me to put out the fire and we did it. I have given everything. Treason is everywhere. There are people who do not want the best for Argentine football.

“They only have their own personal interests at heart.”

Maradona, who took charge in October 2008, has been replaced for the time being by under-20 coach Sergio Batista who will lead the team for the August 11 friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.