Diego Maradona made an emotional return to Naples on Thursday night greeted by a 70,000 crowd at the San Paolo stadium, 14 years after he last set foot in the city.

The 44-year-old former World Cup winner was returning to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs to appear at a farewell match in honour of former Napoli team-mate Ciro Ferrara who is retiring from the game.

Maradona did not take part in the match, which featured past and present Napoli and Juventus players, but he was the centre of attention before the match when he made a lap of honour around the field.

Maradona's arrival at Napoli for a then record fee of more than $12 million in 1984 signalled the start of a golden period for the team, transforming them from a mediocre club into a title-winning side.

Fans sang songs and chants from that era while Maradona jogged around the pitch surrounded by scores of security staff and photographers.

The Argentine, who has suffered from some serious health problems, looked in reasonable shape as he lapped the field blowing kisses to the fans but he appeared irritated by the heavy security.

Maradona's appearance was a treat for Napoli fans who have had little to celebrate in recent years as their club has slumped to the third division.

"I'm not playing because I can't manage it," Maradona told the news agency ANSA before taking to the field.

"I had a try with my brothers but my knee is out of action and it needs operating. But tonight I am going to be on the field with my team-mates to be close to Ciro Ferrara.

"It is a great feeling. It is incredible how the people here remember me," he added.

Ferrara, who has won a record eight Italian titles, two with Napoli and six with Juventus, has hung up his boots to begin work as a youth team coach at the Turin club.

"Ferrara is leaving football but he will not leave our hearts because he is a great man," said Maradona.

The Argentine said he wanted to come back to Naples, where graffiti carrying his name still cover walls in the city, to play a farewell match of his own.

"I couldn't do it tonight but if it is possible I will come back again to Naples because I want to play my last game here. I want to say a huge thanks to the people. The heart of Naples beats forever with me and my heart is with them," he said.

With the Argentine up front, Napoli won two Serie A titles, the Italian Cup and the 1989 UEFA Cup.

Maradona also captained his country to victory in the 1986 World Cup and helped his side finish runners-up four years later in Italy.