Maradona played a role in persuading Tevez to go to Old Trafford in the summer as he is such a big admirer of English football and believes Tevez will be a huge success alongside Wayne Rooney.

Maradona told the Mirror: "Tevez is like a son to me - from the moment I met him I have felt like that. I met him six years ago when he was at Boca Juniors and instantly I could see he was going to be great.

"He reminded me of when I was his age - the hunger and the passion for the game.

Every second he had a ball with him he was happy.

"We are still so close and my ex-wife and his wife are very good friends.

"I can't wait to get over to England and see him and for him to come to watch me play.

"I will make sure he sees a good game when we play England. I still have the hunger to play well and score goals and that's what I will do."

Tevez, 23, has been compared to Maradona because they are both compact and strong and came up through the Boca Juniors ranks.

"He is a fantastic player," said Maradona. "He is very strong on the ball and has amazing vision."