@FootynewsDavid Faitelson once dropped ten grand in cash just to sit with Diego Maradona. The whole setup was wild. Maradona had flown into Mexico on a private jet from Cuba, brought over by Panamerican Sports Network to cover a Boca, América Copa Libertadores semifinal. The hotel was buzzing, ex-players like Matute Morales and Scoponi everywhere, a nonstop party in his room. Faitelson went straight to Guillermo Coppola and said he wanted the interview. Coppola hit him with, "It's going to be complicated, he has many commitments," then dropped the real ask: "Well… but it costs 10 thousand dollars." Faitelson balked, "Ten thousand for 15 minutes?" but Coppola was firm, "With ten thousand in cash, Diego gives you the interview." Faitelson had never paid for an interview in his life, but he called José Ramón Fernández to get the green light. Fernández shouted, "You're crazy, Faitelson!" and Faitelson just said, "But it's Maradona." The money showed up in a briefcase full of bills. Coppola took it and warned, "Don't mention anything about the money to Diego, he doesn't talk about that." Maradona came down glowing, all charisma, and gave him forty minutes of pure gold. But after it was over, Faitelson couldn't shake the doubt. "Did that money ever reach Diego? I doubt it very much."

@FootynewsDavid Faitelson once dropped ten grand in cash just to sit with Diego Maradona. The whole setup was wild. Maradona had flown into Mexico on a private jet from Cuba, brought over by Panamerican Sports Network to cover a Boca, América Copa Libertadores semifinal. The hotel was buzzing, ex-players like Matute Morales and Scoponi everywhere, a nonstop party in his room. Faitelson went straight to Guillermo Coppola and said he wanted the interview. Coppola hit him with, "It's going to be complicated, he has many commitments," then dropped the real ask: "Well… but it costs 10 thousand dollars." Faitelson balked, "Ten thousand for 15 minutes?" but Coppola was firm, "With ten thousand in cash, Diego gives you the interview." Faitelson had never paid for an interview in his life, but he called José Ramón Fernández to get the green light. Fernández shouted, "You're crazy, Faitelson!" and Faitelson just said, "But it's Maradona." The money showed up in a briefcase full of bills. Coppola took it and warned, "Don't mention anything about the money to Diego, he doesn't talk about that." Maradona came down glowing, all charisma, and gave him forty minutes of pure gold. But after it was over, Faitelson couldn't shake the doubt. "Did that money ever reach Diego? I doubt it very much."