Maradona accepts NGO presidency offered by Queen Elizabeth

Argentinian legend said those working with Football for Unity will overcome the barriers of cultural, social and religious prejudices that separate people, converting the foundation into a pathway to peace and coexistence.

Published : Oct 14, 2015 17:06 IST , Buenos Aires

Diego Maradona said the appointment will enable him to co-operate to build a better society and to leave a legacy for future generations.
Diego Maradona said the appointment will enable him to co-operate to build a better society and to leave a legacy for future generations.
lightbox-info

Diego Maradona said the appointment will enable him to co-operate to build a better society and to leave a legacy for future generations.

Icon Diego Maradona has accepted his appointment as president for Latin America of the Football for Unity foundation, a post bestowed on him by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

“I am Diego Armando Maradona. I want to greet Your Majesty, the Queen, and the British Parliament, and to inform you that I wholeheartedly accept the appointment you gave me for the foundation in Latin America,” said Maradona on Tuesday in a video posted on his official Facebook page, reports Efe.

“Rest assured that the children of Latin America are going to be well taken care of by me. I thank you deeply for the trust you have placed in me,” he added.

The video, entitled “Thanks to the Queen of England for this moment”, was also shown in the British Parliament.

“I want the best for the children. We’re all going to make the children smile, and that will be our reward. There’s not going to be any corruption here, I can assure you of that,” the 55—year—old Argentine said, alluding to the recent corruption scandal that has engulfed world football governing body FIFA.

Maradona also published a text in Spanish, Italian and English in which he said the appointment will enable him to co-operate to build a better society and to leave a legacy for future generations. He said those working with Football for Unity will overcome the barriers of cultural, social and religious prejudices that separate people, converting the foundation into a pathway to peace and coexistence.

The organisation helps children all over the world with the support of several countries, the British crown and FIFA.

Maradona’s attorney, Matias Morla, said the Queen “supports Diego’s stance” and that is why she nominated him.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment