Kerala welcomes the hero of football Maradona

Kochi/Kannur: Hundreds of football fans gave legendary footballer Diego Maradona a rapturous welcome as he arrived in Kerala on a two-day visit.

Youngsters thronged both the Kochi and Kannur airports for a glimpse of the Argentine striker. Some had gathered at the airport even before dawn.

"I waited from 4 a.m to see Maradona... It was a dream come true for me," said a young fan at Kochi.

Maradona is visiting Kerala on an invitation from his industrialist friend Bobby Chemmanur.

The former Argentina captain flew on a helicopter to Kannur where he will attend three functions Wednesday.

Maradona returns to Dubai Wednesday evening.