A first Serie
A title for Napoli in three decades tops Argentine legend Diego Maradona’s
birthday wish list as the World Cup winner turned 60 on Friday.

Napoli’s only
league titles, in 1987 and 1990, came during Maradona’s seven-year stint in Naples.

“What gift
would I like to have? Nothing for me. I wish this murderous pandemic would go
away, yes,” AFP quoted Maradona, who is celebrating his birthday in quarantine in
light of the coronavirus pandemic, saying in a letter to Corriere Dello Sport.  

“I wish
that here in Argentina as in many, too many, other parts of the world, the
viruses of hunger and lack of work that devour people’s dignity were also
defeated. And then, since I just can’t stop talking about football, I would
like my Gimnasia, who are close to returning to the pitch, to win the
championship again after 90 years or more.”

“And if it
is true that there is no two without three, I would like Napoli to win another
Scudetto soon too,” he added.

Also Read: Life of fame and abuse: Diego Maradona turns 60

Maradona’s
trophy-laden spell at the San Paolo Stadium also included the 1989 UEFA Cup,
Napoli’s only European title.

Napoli coach
Gennaro Gattuso, who led Napoli to their first trophy in six years, defeating
Juventus in the final of the Coppa Italia, also got mention in Maradona’s
letter.

“Dear
Gattuso, go on like this, with your determination and your ability to play
football,” he said.

“I cheer
for you and I want to tell you something: there are people who boast of having
played for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus. I am proud to have been part of
Napoli. I hope one day you can say that too,” Maradona added.