A glorious reunion - RUSSIA 2018
 |
| FIFA.com |
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is drawing ever closer. Indeed, the end of this month – Monday 30 January, to be precise – brings the beginning of the 500-day countdown to the big kick-off in Moscow.
As an appetiser, we decided to arrange a momentous reunion between Diego Maradona and the FIFA World Cup Trophy. So it was that, 31 years after their love affair on Mexican soil, two of the biggest icons in world football came face-to-face again.
The occasion was the build-up to the inaugural The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony in Zurich, where the Argentinian legend had travelled to present Claudio Ranieri with the prestigious prize recognising the Italian as 2016's top coach.
"It's beautiful, it's beautiful!" said a bowled-over Maradona, who had been giving an extensive interview with no inkling of the treat that awaited him. "I just hope that the next set of Argentina players get the chance to feel how much this cup weighs," the fabled former No10 added in reference to the Albiceleste squad who are vying for a place at Russia 2018.
Want to see the exact moment when Diego was handed the Trophy? Are you curious about how he reacted three decades after first lifting and kissing it at the iconic Estadio Azteca? Then wait no longer: simply watch the above video to see the touching scenes.