Football Legend Diego Maradona arrived in Kerala on Tuesday for a special two-day visit.
According to Press Trust of India, the Argentine sportsman reached Cochin International Airport in the morning and will head to Kannur to inaugurate a showroom of Chemmanur International Jewellers on Wednesday. He is also scheduled to attend the launch of the jewellery group's private airline service.
Apart from the inaugural ceremonies, Maradona is expected to pay a visit to his fans on Wednesday morning at the Kannur Municipal Stadium where a crowd of 100,000 people is expected.
Rumours are rife that Maradona will make an appearance at the stadium in typical Kerala attire that includes wearing a dhoti.
It is also reported that the soccer player will fly over the stadium in a helicopter and kick a football towards the gathering below.
Chemmanur International Jewellers chairman, Boby Chemmanur, who is also a close friend of Maradona had organized his visit to the state.
The organizers have also carried out a discussion with the footballer on their plans of setting up of a football academy.
"We are planning to set up a football team and an academy to train under-15 players. I had telephonic discussions with Maradona on this regard. He seemed interested. More deliberations on this project will take place during Maradona's visit and when I go back to Dubai," The Times of India (TOI) quoted Chemmanur as saying.
Prior to Maradona's touchdown in the state, soccer fans across the country are descending to Kannur to get a glimpse of the legendary player.
"We have just seen him on television. Now here is an opportunity to see him from close and we are not going to miss out," president of Nainanamvalappu Football Fans Association, NV Subair told TOI.
"More than 200 fans are going to Kannur on Tuesday to see Maradona from our village. Couple of us has got special passes. I don't know what will happen when I see him directly. Perhaps I will faint," he added.
