New Delhi: No place in the semis this time, but Maradona's magic works on the Argentine football association - says he will remain coach in the next world cup too.
The Argentina's soccer federation will offer to keep him as coach for up to four more years taking him through the 2014 world cup in Brazil. Maradona and federation President Julio Grondona are expected to meet next week to discuss the offer.
Apparently there is no 'Plan B'" for another person to take the job. Argentina were crushed by Germany 4-0 in the quarter finals of the World Cup and Maradona had hinted that it was time for him to quit as national coach. His jubilant welcome home might have made him think twice.
In stark contrast to the frosty reception given to coaches from Brazil and England after their disappointing early exits, Maradona got a hero's welcome.
More than 20,000 fans greeted him at Buenos Aires airport, a lawmaker proposed a statue in his honour and he was urged to stay on by President Cristina Fernandez, who took over broadcast rights to soccer games last year.
"Hang in there Maradona," Fernandez said last week in a speech to supporters. "No Argentine has given us so much happiness on the soccer field as Diego Maradona."
During the World Cup, pundits hailed Argentina's attacking style, the majestic dribbling of Lionel Messi and the striking force of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain.
It was Maradona who stole the limelight, however, prowling the sidelines in a shiny, grey suit and inspiring hope that he could again propel Argentina to success in soccer's most coveted trophy, this time as coach.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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