China / China

Maradona promotes charity on China tour

By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily) Updated: 2010-11-05 10:23

Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona kisses a young Chinese cancer patient during a ceremony endorsing him as an ambassador for the China Red Cross Foundation in Beijing, Nov 4, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Diego Maradona wants to help soccer in China but insists his priority during his 10-day China tour is his charity programs.

"The first thing I want to talk about is the charity part of my China tour. It's more important than the game right now," said the Argentine superstar on Thursday during a news conference. "But if anyone who wants to talk about how to develop the sport in China, and wants to take it seriously we can talk about it later."

"Actually, I was wondering why a nation of 1.3 billion does not have a world-class national team. I am looking forward to having some serious talks about how to develop the sport here," he said.

The 1986 World Cup champion and Argentina's 2010 World Cup coach is currently an idle man after being replaced by Olympic gold medal-winning coach Sergio Batista on Wednesday.

"If it's not possible (to find a job) in Argentina, I will work elsewhere," said the soccer great.

Maradona laughed off rumors that he might coach in China.

He said that was not on his agenda. But he encouraged Chinese people to keep improving their skills.

Maradona performs errenzhuan, a folksy two-person stand-up comedy form native to Northeast China, as well-known comedian Zhao Benshan applauds during a charity dinner in Beijing, Nov 4, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

"To the Chinese soccer fans, continue to keep loving the sport. China is a world sports power. It is a sleeping elephant in soccer. If China needs me, I will try me best," he said.

During his trip to China, Maradona will lend his massive public profile to charitable causes as an ambassador for the China Red Cross Foundation.

He attended a charity dinner on Thursday night with a number of local celebrities and is set to appear at charity matches in Jinan, Shandong province, on Friday, and Dongguan, Guangdong province, on Sunday.

All the projects are aimed at helping poor people suffering from cancer.

"It's a significant part of my life, being a person in China to help people who are suffering from cancer," he said. "I'm proud of my special role here."