Maradona backs Argentina team with 'Letter of God'

June 10, 2002

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Diego Maradona, his tears now dry after Argentina's humbling defeat by England, wrote a letter to the distraught World Cup side in a leading sports daily urging them to have faith.

"Letter of God" proclaimed Ole, punning on Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal in Argentina's defeat of England in the 1986 World Cup that is relished as their sweetest victory over their arch rivals.

Maradona, who led his country to their second World Cup triumph in 1986, confessed to sobbing after the 1-0 defeat and was pictured in the newspaper kissing Argentina's blue and white flag.

"I'm on your side ..." his letter read. "Argentina needs you and I have huge faith in you."

"I know you are going to hoist our blue and white flag as I once did.

"I want you to know I will never abandon you."

Maradona is expected to be pitchside for Wednesday's match against Sweden after Japanese authorities relented and granted him permission to enter the country despite first refusing him because of his past convictions for drug abuse.

Maradona made no mention of his travel plans in the letter, but Argentine midfielder Pablo Aimar believes his presence would give the team a huge boost.

"It means a lift, he's a legend, the greatest idol we have in Argentina," Aimar said in Japan.

Argentina must beat Sweden if they are to ensure their progress to the second round. They have one point less than Sweden and England with one game remaining in group F.