The Price Of Maradona's 'Gol Hand Of God' Jersey Is Estimated At Rp. 28 Billion, The Owner Is Busy Refusing Buyer's Offer

Diego Maradona (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Former England national team midfielder Steve Hodge and owner of the Argentina jersey worn by the late Diego Maradona when he scored "God's Hand Goal" in the 1986 World Cup admitted that he was busy rejecting the offer that had come in the past week.

Hodge swapped jerseys with Maradona after Argentina beat England 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, a match that set the stage for "God's Hand Goal" as well as another legendary goal from the late footballer.

Maradona's death caused tremendous interest in Hodge's jersey which is now in the National Museum of British Football in Manchester and American sports memorabilia experts estimate the price could be as high as $ 2 million (approx. Rp.28 billion).

"I have it for the last 34 years and I have not had the desire to sell it," said Hodge in an interview with BBC Radio Nottingham as reported by Antara, Wednesday, December 2.

"I love having it. There is a sentimental value in it. So many people are knocking on my house and the phone keeps ringing from television, radio stations and even from abroad."

"It feels uncomfortable and awkward. There are a lot of rumors circulating that I was tagging a million or two as if to make a profit from it. I think that's insolent and totally untrue. The jersey is not for sale," he added.

Hodge happened to be involved in the process of the goal, because it was his imperfect ball which was then "headed" by Maradona with his hand to outwit England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Hodge was also one of the victims of Maradona's slalom action from near the midfield before stabbing into the English penalty box and giving Argentina a 2-0 lead, a goal later crowned FIFA's version of the 20th Century Goal.