JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- There is no need for fears about safety during the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, Argentina coach Diego Maradona said in Johannesburg on Thursday.
"There is no need for anyone to be afraid of coming to South Africa to watch or play in the World Cup. I believe it will be a fantastic experience," he said at Johannesburg's Soccer City, which will host the opening match on June 11 and final on July 11.
"I have been impressed by the security and organization I have witnessed while here and I am looking forward to coming back with my team in June."
Maradona, a legend in his playing career and who lifted the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, said he was overwhelmed by the friendly people he had met on his five-day stay in Pretoria.
"Just come here and play. There will be no problems," he said in a message to the other 31 teams in the finals and all those who had doubted South Africa's ability to host a successful and safe Word Cup.
Maradona was speaking at an impromptu press briefing after inspecting the new multi-billion rand stadium.
He was accompanied by South African 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) chief executive Danny Jordaan, who recently had to endure criticism from foreign journalists following the attack on Togo's national team in Cabinda, Angola.
Jordaan said: "I am delighted that a soccer superstar has come to see for himself and has publicly declared his support for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"He is a special player and his endorsement of our Word Cup has again dispelled any fears about security at the World Cup.
"I keep repeating myself that security is not a major issue for the LOC. We have matters well under control."
Maradona impressed stadium workers with his friendly attitude and showed off some of the ball skills that made him a superstar during his playing career.
The 49-year-old, who played 91 times for Argentina and for Italian club Napoli and Sevilla in Spain, was impressed by the new stadium.
"I have played in many stadiums, but this is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I hope to be back here (on July 11) for the World Cup final," he said.
