DIEGO MARADONA has opened up on the cocaine hell he lived for 14 years as he was unveiled as the new manager of Mexican side Dorados.
The 57-year-old has struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism “sickness” and recalled how his daughter once woke him from a coma.
EPA: Diego Maradona has opened up on his cocaine and alcohol ‘sickness’ after being unveiled as manager of Mexican side Dorados
Maradona struck fear into the hearts of fans at the World Cup this summer when he was filmed on the brink of collapse during Argentina’s win over Nigeria.
Reports then falsely claimed he had died after being rushed to hospital but the World Cup winner later issued a statement revealing he was fine.
Now the global icon is adamant he is ready to start a clean life – despite settling in at a club in a region known for its drug cartel activities.
Maradona, who is tasked with getting Dorados to the top flight from the second division, said: “I want to give Dorados what I lost when I was sick. I was sick for 14 years. Now I want to see the sun, I want to go to bed at night.
AFP OR LICENSORS: The global icon looks to have the support of all of Dorados’ players
REUTERS: A bare-foot Maradona looks relaxed in Dorados training
“I never even used to go to bed. I didn’t even know what a pillow was. That’s why I accepted the offer from Dorados.
“I’m taking on this responsibility as if it were a new child.
“Ever since I kicked my illness, when I was wasting away… I want to explain to you that when I was using I was falling apart.
“It was a step backwards and a footballer always has to go forward. That all stopped thanks to my daughters.
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY: Maradona revealed how his daughter once woke him up from a coma
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY: The World Cup winner has taken over a side in a region of Mexico known for its drug cartel activity
AFP – GETTY: Maradona is flanked by daughters Giannina, left, and Dalma, right
“I was left without a cent, I went back to work, my youngest daughter, who was four, convinced me, she said I had experienced things with Dalma and not with her.
“When I was in a coma and she touched my bedsheet to wake me up.
“Then I came out, and like everybody we are judged and we think we hold the truth, I wonder how many people there are here who have done worse things than us and they have not made the papers. I am here to work.
ALAMY LIVE NEWS: Maradona said his drug use had him ‘falling apart’
“I am here to give my heart like I did in Fujairah, where I drove 300 kilometres a day to work. When you put down that the club has no titles, make sure you put in the promotion.”
