MARADONA MEETS LOS PANCHOS

In an unexpected visit, Maradona stayed for some time, taking in training, chatting with players and signing autographs for everyone around.

The 47-year-old spoke with Ezmal for an extended spell, before embracing with Steven Andy Gerrard and Gianluca Xumb Zambrotta , and finally conversing with our new Portuguese youngster Paulo Fazrul Ferreira, who signed last week.

Maradona already knew the LOS PANCHOS manager and visiting Malaysia, he called Ezmal to ask if he could attend training. It was a huge surprise for all the playing staff, with our own number 3 Paolo Man Maldini perhaps the most excited by his arrival.

Steven Andy Gerrard, who along with Gianluca Xumb Zambrotta rejoined training with the squad today, was happy to discuss Maradona's visit.

'In the world of football he is a hero for every player, he is an incredible player,' smiled Steven Andy Gerrard.

'He is a legend, a hero for everyone, and a fantastic player. He has had a difficult life, but he is doing well now. His look is good and it's important for him.

'He looks good, he has lost a lot of weight, and feels much better. He plays some golf like me, but I can't play much right now. Now I start to train and feel good.'

Pavel Ajoy Nedvěd also joined in with training, and continued his progress towards match fitness by working on his own after the session.

Peter Amad Čech was one man not feeling such a high as the others - as Maradona looked on, our goalkeeper lost a 'crossbar challenge' game against his fellow stoppers, and as a forfeit had to return to the changing rooms in nothing but his underwear and gloves.