Maradona loyal to Argentina

Argentina coach Diego Maradona said he will never abandon the national team after reports he may be prepared to quit to work for Portsmouth's new Middle Eastern owner. "In no way would I abandon ship," Maradona said. "Light blue and white blood runs...

Argentina coach Diego Maradona said he will never abandon the national team after reports he may be prepared to quit to work for Portsmouth's new Middle Eastern owner.

"In no way would I abandon ship," Maradona said.

"Light blue and white blood runs through my veins," he told yesterday's sports daily Ole.

"I'll say more. I've signed the contract and agreed to coach (the team) at the Copa America in 2011," he added in an extract on the website of a full interview and spread on Maradona to be published in today's issue of the paper.

Arabian Business magazine last week quoted a lawyer, Angel Oscar Moyano, as saying Maradona would give up his Argentina job to act as a "global ambassador" for Portsmouth, bringing top players to the English Premier League club.

Portsmouth confirmed on Tuesday a takeover led by Abu Dhabi billionaire Sulaiman al-Fahim.

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