Spanish/Nat
Diego Maradona and his former Argentina team-mate Claudio Caniggia have signed for the Boca Juniors soccer club.
Maradona, who started his playing career with the Buenos Aires team, signed a two and a half year contract worth eight (m) million dollars.
His old friend Caniggia is getting one (m) million dollars for a one year contract.
Maradona, who's suffering from flu told a news conference that to be back at Boca with Caniggia is a dream come true.
The prodigal son returns in triumph.
Diego Maradona, self-professed "Hand of God" and thorn in the side of the international soccer body FIFA was given a hero's welcome by fans of the Boca Juniors club in Buenos Aires.
With him were Boca Juniors president Antonio Alegre and the other new signing Claudio Caniggia.
However Maradona and Caniggia have something else in common, both have suffered suspension through drug abuse.
But all that was in the past as the two men basked in the fans adulation.
Alegre was almost overcome with emotion, so happy was he to have two such star players in his team.
Boca Juniors are Argentina's most popular club, but they have only won one league title since 1981. The year Maradona left.
SOUNDBITE: Spanish
All the help imaginable has been given to Boca so that the team can have access to two of the most impressive players in Argentine football. This not only benefits Boca, but it is also a great thing for the country as a whole and for every fan that loves football.
SUPER CAPTION: Antonio Alegre, President Boca Juniors
Maradona's life has been as colourful off the pitch as on it.
In 1991 he was barred for 15 months for drug abuse while playing for Napoli. The following year he was arrested in Buenos Aires for drug possession. In February 1994 he fired an air rifle at reporters outside his home, injuring four.
But the bad boy of international soccer says memories of Boca have sustained him through the ups and downs of his career.
SOUNDBITE: Spanish
I treat Boca like a daughter and this is like a return for the father. This is what has carried me through all my trials and tribulations and I want to let the whole world know that I'm OK.
SUPER CAPTION: Diego Maradona, Boca Junior and former captain of national side
Caniggia too has had his brush with the law, but he says simply that he's pleased to be playing again with such stars as Maradona.
SOUNDBITE: Spanish
"I am very happy to be back in Argentina and to be playing with Diego on a team such as Boca. I am also amazed with the warm reception I have got from everyone in Argentina. I'd to repeat I'm very happy to be at Boca."
SUPER CAPTION: Claudio Caniggia, Boca Juniors player
Because of his drug ban Maradona is not eligible to play until September 28th, but Alegre plans to ask FIFA to reduce the ban and allow Maradona to start the new season in August.
