Maradona: Once Upon a Time in Naples: (2018 New Edition) by Ludden John

Author:Ludden, John [Ludden, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

Back at the San Paolo, in a blinding, swirling mist of smoke bombs, igniting red flares and earth, shattering firecrackers, the fanatical hordes of blue tifosi also commenced their long-overdue victory festivities. For the first time ever the pride of Naples, SSC Napoli had earned the right to wear upon their shirt the esteemed badge of the Scudetto. The best of the best, the championship insignia of all Italy. On the pitch a beaming Diego Maradona gestured to his adoring subjects with a raised two-fisted salute, before vanishing beneath a mad flurry of backslapping ecstatic well-wishers. First amongst them was Maradona’s younger brother Hugo, who had rushed to embrace his older sibling, almost choking him in an all-clasping bear hug. It was a truly emotional moment for the man who though adopted and adored by Naples, always remained in his heart a Porteno (native of Buenos Aires). As much that Argentina’s victory in the 1986 World Cup was viewed in Naples, a triumph for Neapolitans also. So, the poor people of Villa Fiorito back in Buenos Aires, equally celebrated SSC Napoli’s achievements, for Diego Maradona was one of their own, whom they were happy to share with the Neapolitans.

‘I consider myself a son of Naples,’ said Diego into a pile of microphones shoved into his face. Glancing up, he caught sight of team-mate Giuseppe Bruscolotti making his way towards him through the adoring crowds. If the Argentinian was the talisman in the title finally coming to Naples, then Bruscolotti was undoubtedly the rock on which such foundations were built. A living legend in these parts long before Diego Maradona ever touched ground at the San Paolo, Bruscolotti had led from the front throughout the lean years, a pillar of strength for Neapolitans who despaired as their football club were repeatedly outgunned by Juventus and the Milan clubs. The veteran defender bore the scars of past battles fighting Naples cause, both physically and mentally. His haggard, war-weary features visible for all to see, but the sickness in his heart at seeing his beloved Napoli humiliated by their many enemies not so, except to those closest to him. The courageous decisions to hand Maradona the Captain’s armband in exchange for his promise to bring the Scudetto South had come to fruition. As the two came together to share a warm embrace the most hardened Neapolitans wept like babies. The heart-rending sight of this ferocious old warrior shedding tears of joy whilst clinging tightly to Maradona meant all the pain and frustration suffered over the decades was a price worth paying to witness such a moment. The young king had delivered on his word to the old master. With Diego Maradona proudly at their helm, Napoli began a luxuriously swamping lap of honour around the San Paolo, but as hundreds joined in alongside them it resembled more a joyful stampede. A Neapolitan cavalry charge, tinged with blue and heavy doses of delirium. Supporters, photographers and reporters jostled amongst themselves in an attempt to get close to their idols.

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