$1800-a-seat VIP tickets for Maradona's show in Sydney sold out in hours

Sydney, May 12(ANI): VIP tickets worth 1800 dollars-a-seat for soccer legend Diego Maradona's The Life and Times show at the Allphones Arena, Homebush, later this month were sold out within hours.

Publicist Max Markson believes the negativity attached with Maradona's life is a fascinating trait, and attracts more fans towards him.

"He's what celebrity is all about. He's fantastic. He's a legend," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Markson, as saying.

In his off field antics Maradona has cheated on his wife, was busted for cocaine use, treated for alcohol addiction and underwent stomach stapling to beat chronic weight problems.

The Argentinean superstar was arrested for firing an air rifle at reporters, and more recently, as national coach at the 2010 World Cup, angrily invited the media to 'suck my dick.

Markson says the 51-year-old striker brings to the auditorium that special, bankable, worldwide newsworthiness with 'a bit of bad behaviour'.

He cited the success on the chat-show circuit of another footballer, the late George Best.

"I've been talking to [Australian boxer] Jeff Fenech about getting Mike Tyson over. But with his criminal record he wouldn't get in," Markson said.

"Boris Becker. I'd like him to come out of the closet. Tiger Woods, perhaps, when he finishes playing. Michael Jordan. A dead-set legend, but maybe too much of a clean skin," he added.

VIPs will get to meet and greet, and get photographed with Maradona, who is coaching the United Arab Emirates team Al Wasl, at a pre-show food and drinks event.

Maradona appears at Allphones Arena on May 29 and at Melbourne Exhibition Centre on May 30. (ANI)