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LONDON. — Diego Maradona is poised for a sensational return to football with Argentine minnows Deportivo Riestra.
The tiny club plays in the regionalised fifth tier of domestic football in Argentina, but the World Cup winner isn’t put off, and is expected to make his debut on March 23.

So much interest is expected in the return of the man often referred to in his homeland simply as “God”, that Riestra are planning to abandon their 3 000 capacity stadium in favour of the nearby home of top-flight champions San Lorenzo.

The 53-year-old has been convinced to sign for the club by friend and legal representative Victor Stinfale, the financier of the lowly Buenos Aires side.

Maradona made the news when he was briefly appointed Riestra’s “Spiritual Coach” in August 2013, and reports this week state that when he was asked to return to the dugout he replied simply, “I want to play.”

The Albinegro have now presented an official request to the Argentine FA that Maradona be allowed to join the squad, and club insiders have told Olé that they are confident that the paperwork will be completed without a hitch.

“Within five game-weeks, Maradona will be playing for Riestra,” revealed the source.

“He will debut on approximately the 23rd of March.”

Squad member Victor More has already revealed he will happily give up the iconic number 10 shirt for the arriving legend, admitting “I’ll wear whatever.”

Maradona recently got engaged to his 23-year-old lover, just days after discovering that he will become a father for the sixth time after his ex-girlfriend, Veronica Ojeda, fell pregnant. — The Mirror.