Diego Maradona took aim at a familiar target on Saturday, making fun of Pele's comments about Lionel Messi and then challenging the comments made by former Al Wasl player Al Perez, a Brazilian, like Pele, about how was dismissed at the Pro League club at the manager's request.
Diego Maradona took aim at a familiar target on Saturday, making fun of Pele's comments about Lionel Messi and then challenging the comments made by former Al Wasl player Al Perez, a Brazilian, like PShow more

Diego Maradona takes Pele to task again



DUBAI // With a mischevious glint in his eye on Saturday night, Diego Maradona, Al Wasl's Argentine coach, ridiculed Brazilian legend Pele before warning that any former players who make false accusations about him can expect a fist to the face.

Pele earlier this week told French newspaper Le Monde that Lionel Messi, despite his record of 213 goals in 300 games for Barcelona and three successive Ballon d'Or awards, has some way to go before he deserves to be compared to a three-time World Cup winner.

“When Messi's scored 1,283 goals like me, when he's won three World Cups, we'll talk about it,” said the former Santos forward. “People always ask me: 'When is the new Pele going to be born?'. Never – my father and mother have closed the factory.”

Maradona, who shared the Fifa Player of the Century award with Pele and has traded barbs with his South American rival on numerous occasions, coached Messi while in charge of the Argentina national team between 2008 and 2010. He is in no doubt Pele's assessment is wide of the mark.

“This is maybe due to old age affecting such comments,” Maradona said laughing when asked his thoughts of the 71-year-old remarks. “You can’t blame the guy, he hasn’t been doing anything for the past 20 years. I haven’t even seen him in a supermarket – I don’t know what he does.

“Usually, when you see him these days, it’s only at award ceremonies next to the president of Fifa and looking like a doll that’s being moved by remote control. His comments are no surprise.”

However, Maradona was surprised by news that Alex Perez, a former Wasl youngster who left the club last summer, claimed in a recent interview that he and several other Brazilians – including forward Alexandre Oliveira – were dismissed by the Dubai-based club at the coach's request.

Wasl officials confirmed Perez left at the end of the 2010-11 season by “mutual consent” after featuring in only a handful of games. He has since joined Santa Cruz, a Brazilian Serie D side.

“I have never met him, but was told the player wanted to leave,” Maradona said. “I do not have the liberty to fire anyone at he club; the management of Al Wasl decides these things. If I ever see this guy, I might punch him in the face.”

The Argentine coach added he has recruited a Brazilian fitness trainer from the Under-19 team.

“I try to find jobs, not get people unemployed,” Maradona said.

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Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

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The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

On sale: now

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Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Rating: 2/5
 
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
if you go

The flights

Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Seoul from Dh3,775 return, including taxes

The package

Ski Safari offers a seven-night ski package to Korea, including five nights at the Dragon Valley Hotel in Yongpyong and two nights at Seoul CenterMark hotel, from £720 (Dh3,488) per person, including transfers, based on two travelling in January

The info

Visit www.gokorea.co.uk

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.