Maradona: The Autobiography of Soccer's Greatest and Most Controversial Star [Paperback]

Much like his colorful and controversial life,this autobiography is told with flair, El Diego's unique flair. This book will entertain the soccer fan with soccer stories told in a frank and gritty style. Diego Maradona, arguably one of the best players to ever emerge to the international level, surely one of the most contentious, is honest about his soccer exploits but skirts around some of the controversy surrounding his life. I believe Maradona wanted to highlight his play on the field and leave the controversies behind. He does go into detail about his early life in Argentina,his rise from poverty, playing on the Youth National Squad and the winning of various awards thoughout his career.Included is an assortment of black and white and color photographs. You come away from reading this book knowing there is no doubt that Diego loves Diego; self depricating is nowhere to be found in this book. However, Maradona is quick to blame the powers that be for many of the problems surrounding soccer. He does talk about his infamous goal in the '86 World Cup competition. Possibly one of the most known goals, the one known as the "hand of God" against the English in World Cup 1986, is talked about by El Diego with no regrets. He admits to using his hand and justifies it by saying he would do it again(if he could getaway with it). El Diego throws around the f word freely in the book to further illustrate his devil may care attitude. You get the feeling that Diego is just being Diego. He dedicates about a chapter to each period of his carrer, beginning with his early years with Argentina clubs, most notably Argentina Juniors and the National Side, his stint with Boca Juniors, the frustration of Spain '82(he didn't make the squad), playing for Barcelona FC, his league play in Italy, the glory(depending on your view) of Mexico'86, several('87& '89) Copa America Cups, Italia'90 World Cup, the embarrassment of USA'94(he tested positive)where he was removed from the squad and his farewell tour with Boca in '95&'96. He talks about his enemies and those that he admires with complete honesty; you come away thinking Maradona is misunderstood, that he is just human and subject to making mistakes like anyone else. I only wish he would have been a little more adamant about the evil of drugs and how it ruined him. Granted he admits to his long addiction and says that people should stay away from cocaine but he could have told more about how it screwed him up physically and mentally. There had to have been a book worth of horror stories to tell about his extensive addiction. Nonetheless, this is a good book for the soccer afficionado, about one of soccer's most controversial and loved characters. It was a wild ride and Diego wants you to know that he is El Diego, one of the best players to ever wear the stripe.

Add your collection item with this stuff. It is one of greatest autograph from footballer of the century. He not only told about when he on the top level but also when he fallen down into drugs addiction and how he trying fight against his self. This book also complete with some of color pictures including with his childhood until his retirement period.

I have always been a fan of Maradona.I have yet to witness someone as good with the ball.Diego can invent,dance and make things happen with a ball.Tis auto biography is special because it is crafted from the master himself.He goes back to his childhood as poor as it was and one sees the struggle children like him faced everyday not only to play soccer but to live.Diego is straight to the point in this book...hence you meet with his emotions,his anger,his joys in football and family life.After all he is not only a football god but most importantly....a human being.I am a great england supporter but i will admire Maradona forever for his contribution to world soccer.

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