Maradona Junior set to join Argentine club

The Italian-born son of Diego Maradona is set to follow in the footsteps of his father by playing club football in Argentina. Diego Armando Sinagra Maradona, also known as Diego Junior, will sign for fourth-tier club El Porvenir, from the town of Gerli near the capital Buenos Aires, according to coach Luis Ventura. Ventura, who is also a journalist, revealed the news on Twitter, saying: “I have in my hand the passport of Diego Armando Maradona and the permit to transfer his Italian registration...the future of Diego Junior is in Gerliiii.” Playing down comparisons with his legendary father, Diego Junior told the Argentine sports daily Ole: “I love Argentine football and to play there is something I’ve wished to do. “If I were like my father I would be playing for the best teams in the world. I feel like I am a good player and I hope I can demonstrate that in Argentina.” Ole reported that the 25-year-old, who had been playing with Italian lower league side Quarto, will arrive in Argentina next Wednesday, with his wages being paid for by a third party. “The club is not paying a cent, but this could generate interest and income,” added Ventura. Diego Junior, who was born while his father was playing for Napoli, came close to joining Scottish lower-league club Clyde when aged 16 in 2003.