Maradona sees 'hand of God' in saving him from drug abuse

Cannes, May 21 (UNI) Football icon Diego Maradona was the star of the red carpet at the midnight screening of the film 'Maradona' by Serbian director Emir Kusturica at the Cannes Film Festival 2008, establishing that sports stars cannot be upstaged even at film festivals.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson also joined to deliver a double whammy with the screening of a similar biographic film 'Tyson' produced by James Toback.

At the press conference for the film here last night, Maradona, whose admirers often equate him with God, said he did not believe he was a God but could not help it if others did. His controversial 'hand of God' goal that knocked England out of the Football World Cup in 1986 still rankles British fans.

He also thanked God for "delivering him from drug abuse" and "saving him for his two daughters". He also admitted that had he not taken drugs, he would have been an even better player.

Both Maradona and Kusturica said they held similar views on many things and their "bonding had helped make this the most truthful film" on the soccer giant.

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