Diego Maradona jokes he wants another ‘Hand of God’ for 60th birthday as dozens of superstars send wishes

Turning 60 on Friday, the Argentina legend jokes his only wish for the birthday is to repeat the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal scored in the World Cup 1986 quarter-final against England. One of the best players football has ever seen already received over 150 birthday messages from famous footballers. 

Ex-Argentina striker netted his side’s first goal against England in the World Cup 1986 quarter-final with his left hand. La Albiceleste won 2-1 as Maradona’s unusual trick went down in history as one of the greatest goals ever scored in a game of football. Within 34 years after the match, Maradona’s punch is still known as ‘Hand of God’.

When asked about his dream gift for 60th birthday, Maradona told France Football that his only wish is to modify his achievement slightly:

“I dream of being able to score another goal for the English, with the right hand this time!”,

the Argentine said.

Maradona guided his teammates to a win in the World Cup 1986 semi-final, making a brace in a 2-0 win over Belgium international side. That given, the West Germany team kept him goalless for the whole final match in Mexico City. However, Maradona’s teammates Jose Brown, Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga managed to gain victory in a 3-2 encounter.

During the interview, Napoli legend has also shared his opinion on today’s best football players:

“Messi and Cristiano. For me, these two are cut above the others. I don’t see anyone approaching them. Not a single one will achieve a half of what they do”.

According to Francis Magan’s Youtube channel, 156 football starts have already wished 60-year-old Maradona happy birthday. Among others are Marco Van Basten, Jose Mourinho, Iker Casillas and Andres Iniesta.

Cristiano is also on the list, being true to himself during the video:

‘Happy 60th birthday! I wish you all the best, bro. I hope everything goes well and you are enjoying your life. Hugs, bro. You are the number one, but only after ‘El Bicho’ (Ronaldo)’,

Juventus striker said.

After hanging boots in 1997, Maradona made a comeback to a world football when he became a coach of Argentina national team in 2008. He left the side after Argentina’s 0-4 heartbreak against Germany in the quarter-final. Later on, he took over teams from the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and Mexico. Currently, he is a manager of Argentina’s Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata.