Caracas (AFP)
Football legend Diego Maradona was received on Tuesday by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who thanked him for his "unconditional support" for socialism.
"What a joy to see Maradona in our beloved homeland! Venezuela is your home, friend and brother of the soul. Welcome!" Wrote Maduro on Twitter, broadcasting a video in which the two meet and give each other hug.
"We're here," said socialist leader Maradona, coach of the Argentine club Gimnasia La Plata, on this video.
"I see you rejuvenated (...) Is it Gimnasia who gives you this shape?", Answers Maduro by placing a hand on Maradona's shoulder after hugging him.
Diego Maradona was at the start of a three-day visit to the South American left forum.
Caracas hosts meetings of the Sao Paulo Forum on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. According to the Argentinian press, Maradona will stay in Caracas until Thursday.
Venezuela is looking for a coach for its national selection. But sources from the Venezuelan Football Federation denied that Maradona's presence in Caracas could be linked to their search for a successor to Rafael Dudamel.
The latter had left office to sign with the Brazilian team of Atletico Mineiro.
© 2020 AFP