Maradona rules out first playing offer

Diego Maradona has wasted little time in ruling out a return to Argentinian football with Excursionistas.

The ambitious Primera C outfit had expressed an interest in signing the 45-year-old after Maradona said in a television interview he would consider playing for “a club in Primera C or D, because there’s not too much pressure as they are semi-professional divisions.”

But the former World Cup winner dashed Excursionistas hopes on Tuesday by telling Telefe Noticias: “I’m 45, so I’m not thinking about playing football nor committing myself to anybody.

“I won’t be having any discussions with the Excursionistas board. I don’t know them but I really thank them for taking me into account.

“Having said that, I won’t lack respect for the game.”

When they heard of Maradona’s initial interest in resuming his playing career at a lower level, Excursionistas president Armando Mainoli said: “We want to include Maradona on the official roster.

“We know there is some time yet to do it (clubs must hand in the squad list by February 3) and we’d be really proud to see Diego wearing our shirt.”

Excursionistas start the final stage of the Apertura campaign against Lamadrid on February 4 and have nine matches before the season wraps up.