Minguella reveals how Argentina’s political Lacoste didn’t allow him to sign Diego for Barca in 1980.
2 years later, the legendary agent got his desired transfer even though the president of Maradona’s parent club pulled a gun during the negotiations.
“I discovered Diego very young and by coincidence. He was so good that I quickly offered him to Barca. The cost was only 100,000 dollars but he was only 16,” legendary agent Josep Maria Minguella recalled his experience with Diego Maradona in his column for Diario Sport in 2018.
Maradona could have joined in 1980
“It was 1977 and two years later negotiations finally began. They were closed in 1980 following a long process. Everything was tied down, but 15 or 20 days later, [I was informed] that here were problems with the transfer and I had to return to Argentina to be interviewed by the Ministry of Social Welfare, by Admiral Lacoste.”
Transfer talks or a crime scene?
“Lacoste called me to a setting worthy of a horror film. Later I found out that many people that had disappeared had been taken there by the dictatorship.
“After being received by a soldier, I entered a dark tunnel with a small light at the end. There was the Admiral, who quickly made things clear to me: “You cannot sign Diego now. We need him for your World Cup (Spain 1982).” Said and done. Diego didn’t move.”
2 years later, another horror film
“We had to wait and the operation became even more complicated. Argentinos Juniors loaned Maradona to Boca Juniors with an option to buy. Negotiations were carried out by the second president of Argentinos Juniors, the Commissioner Domingo Tesone.”
“When we met the first time, he pulled a gun out and left it on the table. I was shocked and nervous. “I hope it doesn’t annoy you, it’s just it weighs a ton…” he apologised.
“And there, with the gun on the table, was where I finalised an agreement for Maradona to come to Barca for 1,200 million pesetas (7.2 million euros), a world-record fee at the time.”
Maradona spent 2 seasons at Barca, between 1982 and 1984. He scored 30 goals in 43 games, winning 3 trophies.
The legendary Argentine passed away this Wednesday, aged 60.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
