Maradona and Argentina won't have so many supporters in any part of the world as in Kerala. It would be interesting to note that Argentina's football god Maradona has a friend in Kerala - Hisham Hassan from Kozhikode. Hisham is the lone Keralite who is invited to personal functions of Maradona; he could walk into his house anytime. With football fever gripping the world, the Kozhikode native recalls his friendship with Maradona.
How did you come to know Maradona?
Like any Malabar native, I too was a football fan and Maradona my favourite player. Like any common man I stayed awake to see Argentina and Maradona play. Later, it came to such a point that I used to avoid other functions if Maradona was going to play that day. I never thought that I will become so close to Maradona that one day I will be able to put my hand over his shoulder and walk together.
The friendship with Maradona happened quite unexpectedly when I was the business director of Chemmanur International Jewellery Group in Dubai. I was assigned the task of inviting Maradona for the opening of a new branch. Since I knew that my friend Ashraf Ahmad Mohammad, who is also the CEO of Al Wasl Club, knew Maradona, I approached Ashraf. It was Ashraf who introduced me to Maradona, who came to open the Karama branch of Chemmanur.
How was your friendship with Maradona?
Maradona is not like other stars. If he likes someone, he doesn't shy away from maintaining a good relationship. After the inauguration of the jewellery showroom, I used to visit him during weekends. Later, when he invited me for his birthday celebration, I went with a gift, a photograph of I hugging him. He was really surprised. He was interested in maintaining the friendship. He used to tell me to invite him to Kerala if there is any function.
Any memorable moments with the god of football?
I had the opportunity to spend days with the man who has the hand of God. We came to Kannur together. Visited Malaysia and stayed with him for five days in a hotel. I understood that friendship doesn't need a language through this relationship. Since he doesn't know the language, an Arab national, Muhammad, used to be his translator.
I have a good relationship with Muhammad too. When I tried to sit away from him during plane journeys, he used to insist on me sitting next to him. I got closer to him because he had no ego issues. I still have a good relationship with him. If you respect him he had no qualms in returning it in equal measure. I had met him last during the opening of a showroom in Malaysia. We flew together from Dubai for that.
About his life outside the soccer field?
Though I had seen many news items and gossips in media, I feel that they were all rubbish when I got closer to him. Though he consumes alcohol, he behaves like a gentleman. In my view, all those news and stories were deliberate attempts to malign him. Maradona is above what all I have seen and heard about him.
Did you wish Eid to Maradona?
I last spoke to him during Eid. I asked his translator Muhammad to convey my Eid wishes. He also wished me and my family a happy Eid. We invite each other for all celebrations and also attend them mostly.
When is he coming to Kerala again?
He fully understood the love of Keralites for the game and Maradona the player during his last trip. Hence, he is ready to come to Kerala anytime. He has told me that he is willing to come to Kerala if somebody is interesting in bringing him here.
Are you an Argentina fan or a Maradona fan?
It goes without saying. Though I was in love with Argentina and Maradona from a young age, it is obvious that I prefer my friend first. I feel that Malayalis started loving the game because of their love for Maradona. There won't be any world cup without Maradona and every world cup season the name of Maradona will come to the mind of every football lover.
For the ongoing world cup too, his face was seen in the Argentina teaser. It is not because he won the cup for Argentina. It is because of his talent. During this world cup too, as a friend I remember him with pride. I want Argentina to lift the cup this time. I am waiting to see Messi lift the cup with blessings from Maradona.
