Doha: As Qatar prepares for the World Cup, Diego Maradona remembers. The first World Cup will be played in Qatar without Diego, who has been a fixture in the World Cup since 1982 as a player, then as a coach and as an enthusiastic spectator.
Diego, who celebrated by holding iron bars in galleries in South Africa, Brazil and Russia to inspire Argentina and his fans, will not be seen in Lucille Stadium and other places, but the organizers are bringing the memories of the legendary son to Qatar. That is the sign of the goal that made Diego Maradona so desirable to the football world. In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, the ‘Hand of God’ goal and the goal of the century, the blue shirt number 10, will come before the audience. The jersey will arrive at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum before the World Cup.
The jersey worn by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarter
Steve Hodge asked for the jersey
The jersey worn by Maradona in the Mexico World Cup quarter was in Manchester for a long time. There is a story behind it. Steve Hodge was there as a spectator when Maradona climbed over the head of English goalie Peter Shilton and hit the ball into the net with his head and hand. Diego grabbed the ball from England’s midfielder Hodge and jumped.
However, while the team members were returning through the tunnel after the game, Hodge asked Diego for his shirt. On hearing this, Diego gave the jersey to the English player and went on his way. No one thought that the sweaty shirt would become an unparalleled treasure.
Hodge was criticized for buying the shirt of the man who cheated them, but the shirt later turned out to be worthless. The shirt, which was stored in the National Football Museum in Manchester for a long time, was sold at the South Biz auction last May. The name of the fan who bought the jersey for a record amount of 89.3 lakh dollars is still a secret.
However, when the world of football unites in Qatar, the blue shirt is coming to Doha to be a special sight for the fans. Qatar Museum owns auctions on a loan basis. It will be on display at the Jersey Olympic Museum until April 1, 2023.