The Day Maradona Played For Spurs

In May 1986 Spurs midfielder Osvaldo Ardiles’ testimonial was just like any other testimonial. It was often seen as a friendly encounter between a player’s team and a team with whom the player had a connection. Ardiles’ testimonial was different, however. Firstly he hadn’t been at Spurs for 10 years. Secondly, it was the day Maradona played for Spurs.

Ardiles had written himself into Tottenham’s history by helping the club to FA Cup and UEFA Cup success in the early 1980s alongside Ricky Villa. The pair had been signed in 1978 by Spurs manager Keith Burkinshaw.

North London And Argentina

What followed was a bond between North London and Argentina that even today is as strong as it ever was. In the late 1970s, the notion of overseas players was pretty much new to English football.

However, the impressive Argentina team who won the 1978 World Cup made it hard to ignore the abundance of talent that was available. So when Spurs signed both Ardiles and Villa it was something of a coup, to say the least, and at just £750,000 it was a bargain.

The Day Maradona Played For Spurs

So fast forward to May 1986. Ardiles along with over 30,000 supporters crammed into White Hart Lane to watch his testimonial against Inter Milan. Little did the crowd know that the midfield that day would consist of Hoddle, Waddle, Ardiles and Diego Maradona.

The crowd was larger than expected and kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes to allow fans to take their seats. The Maradona effect was there for all to see. They had all turned out to see the day Maradona played for Spurs.

He arrived having barely slept on his way to England as he had played in a World Cup warm-up against Norway. Would the lack of sleep deprive the supporters of seeing Maradona at his best?

I’ve Forgot My Boots?

Maybe so given the fact, he had arrived with no kit whatsoever. No shin pads or boots. In fact, he had to borrow a pair of boots from Clive Allen in order to play. Hoddle also gave up the Number 10 shirt to the little genius from Argentina.

What followed is something that will live in Tottenham folklore forever. It may have only been a testimonial. But the greatest player in the world, during whatever era, rarely turns out for a testimonial. However this time the greatest player on the planet was turning out at Tottenham.

Flicks And Tricks

The flicks and tricks (like some in the video below) were on full display. It was clear to see that Maradona and Ardiles were above everyone’s level. The pair had played with each other 11 times previously for Argentina. Their telepathic connection was clear for all to see. How Spurs fans must have wished that there were coins in the coffers to buy Maradona.

Tottenham would win the testimonial 2-1 courtesy of goals from Mark Falco and Clive Allen. Maradona said after the fixture he would not expect a hostile reception from England fans if his national side were to face the Three Lions at the 1986 World Cup.

Famous last words…….