Maradona renews deal as Gimnasia boss

BUENOS AIRES - Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona has extended his contract as head coach of Gimnasia y Esgrima, the club said on Wednesday.

The 59-year-old, whose previous deal had been due to expire this month, will remain at the club until June 2021, according to a brief statement published on social media.

"In our eyes you are one of us and your heart is as blue and white as ours. GIMNASIA 2021 MARADONA," it tweeted.

Maradona was appointed Gimnasia boss last September when they were mired at the foot of the Argentinian Superliga standings with just one draw and four losses.

The club improved under the 1986 FIFA World Cup winner, jumping five places in the 24-team Superliga standings to finish the season with six wins, six draws and 12 losses.

The Argentinian Football Association canceled the remainder of the 2020-21 season in April, six weeks after suspending competitions because of the coronavirus pandemic.