Diego Maradona wants to coach in China according to state media

A fuming Diego Maradona after his confrontation with crowd members (EPA)

Chinese state media say Argentine football great Diego Maradona wants to coach in China, where clubs are spending big bucks to lure international names.

The 51-year-old Maradona arrived in Beijing on Monday for an eight-day charity tour and the China Daily quoted him as saying "I wish to contribute to the development of China's soccer youth."

Maradona was recently fired as manager by the United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl.

China Daily said Maradona plans to meet Wei Di, head of the Chinese Football Association, during his visit.

AP