Maradona’s new side unveil ‘terrifying’ mascot in honour of Argentina legend

DIEGO MARADONA has got another job in management and his new club wheeled out a "terrifying" mascot in his honour.

The maverick Argentine took over at Gimnasia La Plata on September 5 and fans have reacted in hilarious fashion to the gesture.

The oversized mascot has a cap with "10 Maradona" stitched in and is complete with a "DM" emblazoned tracksuit top.

The huge head bears a striking resemblance to the 58-year-old with grey stubble and two stud earrings.

As well as the new addition to the team's mascot lineup, Maradona has brought some other intriguing aspects to the new role - his first managerial job in his homeland since 1995.

Being very superstitious, the former Boca Juniors and Napoli genius has banned the colour green.

And one of his first acts was to bring a priest to the training ground to bless the players and dispel the bad energy he thought had accumulated in the previous months.

One quick glance at Gimnasia's results since Maradona took charge suggest his new methods have not had much impact.

But reports suggest the players' attitudes have improved and performances on the pitch have been much better.

The man with the "Hand of God" lost his first three games but clinched his first win in a thrilling 4-2 away win at relegation rivals Godoy Cruz on October 5.

This is Maradona's ninth managerial role but it is not the first time he has been involved in a headline grabbing welcome.

When he took over Belarussian team Dynamo Brest in 2018, he was filmed flashing his nipples at fans who had gathered to welcome him to the club.