Tue, 29th Jan 2008
Cobham played host to a football great today as Argentine legend Diego Maradona dropped by to meet the squad and chat with Avram Grant.In an unexpected visit, Maradona stayed for some time, taking in training, chatting with players and signing autographs for everyone around.
The 47-year-old spoke with Grant for an extended spell, before embracing with Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack, and finally conversing with our new Argentine youngster Franco Di Santo, who signed last week.Maradona already knew the Chelsea manager and visiting England, he called Grant to ask if he could attend training.
It was a huge surprise for all the playing staff, with our own number 10 Joe Cole perhaps the most excited by his arrival.Shevchenko, who along with Michael Ballack rejoined training with the squad today, was happy to discuss Maradona's visit.'In the world of football he is a hero for every player, he is an incredible player,' smiled the Ukrainian.
'He is a legend, a hero for everyone, and a fantastic player. He has had a difficult life, but he is doing well now. His look is good and it's important for him.'He looks good, he has lost a lot of weight, and feels much better. He plays some golf like me, but I can't play much right now. Now I start to train and feel good.'
Branislav Ivanovic also joined in with training, and continued his progress towards match fitness by working on his own after the session.Petr Cech was one man not feeling such a high as the others - as Maradona looked on, our goalkeeper lost a 'crossbar challenge' game against his fellow stoppers, and as a forfeit had to return to the changing rooms in nothing but his underwear and gloves.
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