Diego Maradona’s improbable 1994 return, from exile to Argentina’s saviour | OneFootball

Bruised by the 1990 World Cup final and a 15-month cocaine ban, Diego Maradona fought inactivity, age and weight to keep Argentina on course for USA 94. L'Équipe recounts a revival capped by his roar against Greece in a 4-0 win, then an ephedrine positive after Nigeria, a 2-1 victory.

In 1990 he said he would be too old for the United States. Beaten 1-0 by West Germany, he wept in Rome, then quit the national team, furious with Julio Grondona. Coach Alfio Basile still kept the number 10 for him.

In March 1991 he tested positive for cocaine, earning a 15-month ban and leaving Naples under suspicion. Back in Buenos Aires he was arrested in April, called it a set-up and vowed to return.

His ban ended on 1 July 1992. Refusing a Napoli return, he joined Sevilla in September after FIFA pressure and rejoined Argentina in February 1993. He drew 1-1 with Brazil, then helped beat Denmark on penalties after 1-1, stretching the unbeaten run to 25.

June brought a rupture with Sevilla coach Carlos Bilardo. After knee injections at half-time against Burgos he was withdrawn eight minutes later, he insulted him on camera, then struck him the next day. Maradona said he could not keep up and wanted out.

Without him, Argentina retained the Copa América. In August, still clubless, he criticised Basile and said he would refuse a call-up. The 5-0 shock against Colombia forced play-offs with Australia, and Argentina turned back to their idol.

He signed for Newell’s Old Boys, shed weight and returned in early October, though he rowed with Fernando Redondo. In the play-offs he set up Abel Balbo in Sydney for 1-1, then Buenos Aires delivered 1-0 to seal qualification.

Source: L'Équipe