Maradona expecting fifth child

BUENOS AIRES — Diego Maradona's long-term partner says she's pregnant, which would make the Argentine soccer great a father for the fifth time.

Maradona's partner, Veronica Ojeda, told the website Ciudad.com that she was four months pregnant. She had a miscarriage in 2010 during the 19th week of her pregnancy.

The 51-year-old Maradona has two daughters from his marriage with Claudia Vallafane — Dalma and Giannina. He has two other children he has never recognized as his, although courts in paternity cases have ruled he is the father.

His son is Diego Sinagra, who was born in Italy when Maradona was playing there. He has played in Italy with lower-division clubs.

"A judge has obliged me to pay support, but that does not obligate me to feel love for him," Maradona said in 2005.

His fourth child, a girl, was born in 1996, offspring of a relationship with an Argentine woman. Little is known of her.

Giannina is married to Argentine soccer star Sergio Aguero, who plays for English Premier League champion Manchester City.

Dalma is an Argentine actress.

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Maradona show tickets sell briskly

SYDNEY — Promoters say $1,800 VIP seats for Diego Maradona's "The Life and Times" show in Sydney on May 29 have sold out within hours of going on sale.

Those purchasing the premium seats get to meet and be photographed with Maradona, who is now coaching the United Arab Emirates team Al Wasl, at pre-show event hosted by former Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.

Maradona will do a second show in Melbourne on May 30, discussing his life and career.

The 51-year-old is considered by many to be the best player ever, and led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, where he also scored the so-called "goal of the century" and the controversial "Hand of God" goal against England.

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Maradona excited about new challenge

Buenos Aires — Diego Maradona accepted the offer to coach United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl because it offered "good money," he said on Wednesday.

The Argentine great stunned the soccer world by taking the job with the little-known Dubai outfit on Monday, his first post since leaving the Argentine national side after the World Cup.

"It's a marvelous experience," Maradona told the TyC sports channel. "It's the chance to be in a country where perhaps there aren't many stars, but there's a squad to command and good money."

The 50-year-old Maradona signed a two-year deal and will take control of the club when the new season starts in September. The terms of his contract have not been released.

Al Wasl, fourth in the domestic league, had been looking for a new coach since firing Brazilian Sergio Farias in March.

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