Maradona Would Like to Live in U.S.

Another turn of events in the Major Soccer League’s courting of superstar Diego Maradona came Friday when the suspended player voiced a desire to move to the United States.

Maradona--now serving a FIFA suspension for cocaine possession and awaiting trial in Argentina on the same charges--said he has grown weary of media harassment in Argentina.

“They (reporters and photographers) mount guard outside my house and hassle me all day long,” he told a Buenos Aires TV crew. “I can’t take it any longer. . . . I’m thinking of going to the United States to play (indoor) soccer.”

Maradona’s remarks came two weeks after Oscar Ancira, Sockers’ managing general partner, met with the player’s representatives in Buenos Aires. At the time, Ancira said he discussed opportunities the MSL could present, such as franchise ownership, teaching at soccer clinics, and playing when his suspension expires in June.

“I was surprised to see the news,” Ancira said. “But I wasn’t surprised by what he said, only by the timing of it. I don’t think he’s saying this because of our meeting, but then again, he could be. Maybe he’s thinking that now he has this other alternative and he has decided to pursue it.”

At any rate, Maradona appears fed up with his current situation.

“I was out of the country for nine years and now there are people who can’t stand me, perhaps because I made a lot of money,” he said. “I might have made mistakes, but my family shouldn’t have to pay for them. . . . I just want to be left in peace.”