Diego Maradona: Pope Francis visit is historic

Football legend who managed two clubs in the UAE notes signifigance of his countryman's trip

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 01:  Pope Francis meets Diego Maradona during an audience with the players of the 'Partita Interreligiosa Della Pace' at Paul VI Hall  before the Interreligious Match For Peace at Olimpico Stadium on September 1, 2014 in Rome, Italy.  (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
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Argentine football legend and former UAE club coach Diego Maradona took to Instagram to praise Pope Francis ahead of the papal visit to the UAE.

Maradona, who managed Al Wasl and Fujiarah during his time in the Emirates, noted the historic nature of the Pope's forthcoming travels to the country, while also acknowledging the significance of the Pope visiting a Muslim-majority nation.

Maradona's post featured a photo of his own meeting with Pope Francis, where the two Argentine compatriots shared a warm embrace.

He closed out his post by calling the UAE an example to follow, noting how Christians and Muslims live peacefully.

Over the past few decades, Maradona has been in the headlines for reasons both good and bad. His performance peaked during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City guiding Argentina to their second title. He is best known, however, for his 'Hand of God' handball goal in the quarter-finals against England.