JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) – Diego Maradona made a public apology to Michel Platini but not Pele at the World Cup yesterday after hitting back at his fellow greats after media reports that they had criticised his coaching ability.
“I want to send my apologies, through you (reporters), to Mr Platini… but not Pele,” Maradona told a news conference after producing a letter he said was from the French UEFA president.
“The other day I spoke about Mr Platini. Mr Platini sent me a letter, saying that he never said what you (reporters) told me he had said,” added Maradona after his Argentina team’s 4-1 win over South Korea in Group B at Soccer City.
Platini was reported to have said Maradona was only a good coach as a player, implying he was not any good now.
Maradona had slammed the pair on Wednesday, telling old foe Pele he should “go back to the museum” while insulting all French people with his criticism of Platini as arrogant.
Maradona also had an unexpected answer to a reporter’s question on whether love would win the World Cup given the hugging and kissing that goes on in Argentina’s squad.
“I love women… so people don’t think I’ve turned over,” Maradona exclaimed with wide eyes and made a gesture with his hand.
