Rome - With gratitude and affection, the city of Naples has paid homage today to Argentine star Diego Armando Maradona, who led the local football team 30 years ago to be crowned champion of Italy for the first time.

'Three times 10', for the 30th anniversary and the number of Maradona's shirt, is the title of the show directed by actor Alessandro Siani, in which Diego reflected on his sports career in the capital city of the region of Campania. He joined the team in 1984 from Barcelona.

'I am happy to be here,' said Maradona, after arriving at 21:56 local time yesterday, acclaimed by more than 100 people who awaited him joyfully at the entrance of the hotel, despite the cold weather.

The work, with strong audiovisual support, will be presented in the majestic San Carlo Theater, an 18th-century architectural jewel and an important opera and concert space.

The selection of this place for the tribute has generated some controversy among those who consider it a reserved place exclusively for the so-called classical music and the lyrical song and others such as mayor Luigi de Magistris, who criticized that elitist approach.

Napoli won with Diego (1984-1991) two national championships (1987 and 1990), an Italian Cup (1986-1987), a UEFA Cup (1988-1989) and an Italian Super Cup in 1990. This is the fourth time he visits the city after his departure from the club and the first in the last four years.