Hong Kong fans have missed out on seeing Diego Maradona in action after the South American superstar turned down a US$300,000 deal to play in the territory and Thailand.
Maradona, who has named July 13 as his comeback date after more than 10 months out of soccer with drug problems, had asked for at least US$500,000 to play two matches in the region, including Wednesday's China-HK Telelink Cup, in which it was hoped he would play for First Division side Sing Tao against Inter Milan.
The deal also covered the Thai Premier Cup in Bangkok, where Boca Juniors will play Inter, the Thai national team and Porto.
Inter's Asian tour will feature England international midfielder Paul Ince's last appearance for the Italian Serie A side.
The 29-year-old Ince, whose family has found it hard to adjust to life in Italy, will announce his departure after the tour.
English Premier League side Liverpool have reportedly offered to match his GBP750,000 a year wages at Inter, and pay the Italian club a GBP6 million transfer fee. Ince still has a year of his contract to run.
Semuel Shing, senior PR and marketing manager of the Hong Kong match promoters, Ken Catton Enterprises Limited, said yesterday it was almost certain Maradona would not appear.
