'Sacked' Maradona hopes 'to find solution' after meeting with new Al Wasl board

Dubai, July 12 (ANI): Expressing his sadness at UAE team Al Wasl's decision to dispense with his services, former team manager Diego Maradona is hoping to find a solution to his sacking after a meeting with the new board members of the club.

"In relation to the last press release from Al Wasl board of directors, regarding the termination of their contract with their technical staff, I want to communicate that it has always been my wish and intention to stay in this marvellous country, which has treated me so well," the Gulf News quoted Maradona, as saying.

Maradona said that he was hoping to have a meeting with the new board members to reach 'alternative options'.

"Unfortunately the new board has made a public statement I do not agree with, as my wish was and is to respect my two year contract in Al Wasl. In case our economic restrictions do not allow us invest so heavily in players, there has and will always exist alternative smart and more conservative options to be discussed with the new management," the 51-year-old Argentine coach said.

"Due to all the above, I hope to have a meeting in the coming days with the new board, in order to discuss and clarify all these topics, and I'm absolutely sure we will be able to reach good solution for all, especially for the Al Wasl team," he added.

Al-Wasl declared the suspension of Maradona as the manager at the club after releasing a public statement.

"Following a meeting held by the board of directors of Al Wasl Football Company held Tuesday, to evaluate the technical staff of Al Wasl Football Team under the leadership of coach Diego Maradona, it was decided to terminate the services of coach Maradona and his technical staff," the club said in a statement. (ANI)