The Argentina World Cup-winning captain travelled to Kannur state on a two-day promotional trip.

Maradona, who has been out of a job since he departed from United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl in the off-season, had almost 2,000 police personnel on hand as security to guide him through Kannur International Airport.

Fans travelled from local districts including Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kasargod to catch a glimpse of the 51-year-old.

It is not the first time that Maradona, awarded joint FIFA player of the 20th century along with Pele, has visited India - he attended a function in Kolkata back in 2008.

But the Argentine will be feeling at home in Kannur, given its reputation for hosting many international and national football tournaments in the past.