CASTRO LURES MARADONA TO CUBA

President Fidel Castro characterized himself as a friend and admirer of
Diego Maradona and said he hopes the Argentine former soccer superstar can
return to Cuba, where he spent several years undergoing treatment for drug
problems.

"I hope he can come," Castro told reporters late Wednesday during a
reception at the home of Argentine Ambassador, Raul Taleb. Maradona, 43,
has been undergoing medical treatment in Argentina in recent weeks for
serious lung and heart problems.

The Cuban leader said he recently had a "friendly" telephone conversation
with Maradona, who bears a tattoo of Castro's face on one leg.

"He has struggled with the problem he had and it hasn't been easy," Castro
said of Maradona. "He is a person who has prestige, fame. I think he is a
noble guy and undoubtedly, a great athlete."

Castro's visit to the reception was not announced in advance. During
several hours, he spoke behind closed doors with Argentine diplomats and
businessmen, then answering reporters' questions before leaving the
residence around midnight.

Maradona, in recent months, has repeatedly said he wants to return to Cuba,
but his family has fought to keep him in Argentina for a series of ongoing
health problems.

Maradona came to Cuba for drug treatment in early 2000, after being
hospitalized in Uruguay with a severe heart condition, and stayed in Cuba
for the better part of three years. His most recent round of health
problems emerged while visiting Argentina.

In his 20-year career, Maradona led his country to the 1986 World Cup title
and the 1990 World Cup final. He also won Italian and Argentine league titles.

In 2000, FIFA chose him and Pele as the greatest players in soccer history.
He retired in 1997. Maradona was suspended from the Italian league while
playing for Napoli in 1991 for 15 months following a positive test for
cocaine. Three years later, FIFA suspended him for 15 months for a positive
drug test at the World Cup finals in the United States