Argentina and Napoli legend Diego
Armando Maradona will receive the honorary citizenship of Naples
on July 5 in the southern city's iconic Piazza del Plebiscito in
a ceremony starting at 21:30, Naples Sports Councillor Ciro
Borriello told ANSA Tuesday.
The ceremony will be preceded by a musical show in the
square.
Naples city council recently voted to give Mardona the keys
of the city because of the "commitment and love" he showed the
soccer-mad port city when leading its club to two Serie A titles
in 1987 and 1990.
"It will be a popular party for Diego" said Naples Mayor
Luigi de Magistris.
The first citizen said the honour was being conferred on the
Pibe de Oro for "what he represented and still represents for
the city".
De Magistris voiced the hope that "the fans will take part in
the spirit of the event".
The Argentina, who vies with Pelé in polls of the world's
best-ever soccer player, is revered in Naples after leading the
local side to the two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup during his
memorable stint with them between 1984 and 1991.
Maradona was at his prime during his time with Napoli and
in this period he also inspired Argentina to win the 1986 World
Cup, scoring the famous 'Hand of God' goal and the most highly
voted 'best goal ever' against England along the way.
Naples is dotted with murals of its most famous adopted son.
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