PETALING JAYA: Like all Argentinian footballers, Kuala Lumpur’s new winger Manuel Hidalgo looks up to the late Diego Maradona as an idol and inspiration.
But for the 26-year-old, who joined the City Boys on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), his fascination with the 1986 World Cup winner extends beyond the magic he created on the pitch.
Hidalgo can even claim he owes his life to the legend, who many hail as the greatest player of all time.
To put it poetically, he has been blessed by the ‘’hand of god’’ – a reference to the controversial goal Maradona scored against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
Look no further than Diego: Manuel Hidalgo in action for Kuala Lumpur against Sabah during a friendly match. — KL City FC
“I love him not just because of what he did in football – but because without him, I wouldn’t be in this world,’’ he said after a training session at the PKNS Field here yesterday.
And there’s an absorbing story behind that.
Hidalgo’s father, Gustavo, was living in Barcelona when Maradona was suspended for cocaine use and forced to return to Argentina in the 1980s.
That unexpected turn led to him also returning home and eventually meeting the woman, Victoria, who would become the mother of his son, Manuel.
“My father met my mum in Argentina, and they went on to have me. So if not for Maradona, I won’t be here in this world,” Hidalgo said.
It is a remarkable twist of fate, one that Hidalgo carries with him not just emotionally, but literally – inked on his body.
“I have two Maradona tattoos, and a phrase from him across my back,” he adds proudly.
Today, Hidalgo is thriving in a city he now calls home.
“I have a very good relationship with everyone, locals and import players as well.”
Now entering his fifth season in Malaysia, Hidalgo speaks with a maturity that reflects his journey. He knows the expectations are high, but he has embraced them.
A tattoo of Maradona on Hidalgo’s hand.
“I think we (Kuala Lumpur) have an amazing team this year, and we’re going to achieve great things for sure.
“We started not so hard, and I think that’s good.
‘‘Sometimes when you push too early, the players aren’t fresh for the season. I think we’ll arrive at the first game at 100 per cent.”
Hidalgo is particularly impressed with the atmosphere within the team and the communication between coach Risto Vidakovic and the players.
“It’s the best I’ve experienced in Malaysia by far.
‘‘The connection is very good. We all feel it.”
KL have been beset by financial problems in the past, but with changes in the top management, Hidalgo hopes his teammates don’t need to wait for their dues.
“I have the luck that I’m part of JDT. When you have JDT behind you, everything is easier.
‘‘They do things how they should be done, on time, professionally.’’
Hidalgo also revealed that he is awaiting to be naturalised and hopes to don Malaysian colours one day.
“After December, I will have been in Malaysia for five years. Maybe by then, or next May, I can get something more official. I hope that can happen next year.”
