The Argentine icon was happy to smile for the cameras as he took part in the session at Fujairah Stadium and appeared excited as he oversaw drills.

Maradona moved back into management with Fujairah FC in May, five years after leaving Al Wasl following a disastrous spell in charge that saw the entirety of the top flight side’s board resign.

Maradona, 56, took over in May but did not meet his players until two months later.

‘I don’t know until now whom we will play because I have not seen the players on the training pitch yet,’ said Maradona on his pre-season plans.

‘I will decide after 10 days once I have assessed the standard of the players. If I believe we can play a big match with Ajax, or any other major team, then so be it, but first I need to see my team.’

Aiming to instil an attacking philosophy into his players as they look to secure a place in the top flight UAE Arabian Gulf League, Maradona said after taking over: ‘I have a great desire for this new challenge.

‘I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready. My [coaching] team have worked in an excellent way.

‘I will give all the players everything to go to the pitch and do their best to be competitive.

‘The focus of the team will be attacking, because that is where our strength lies. But that does not mean that we are bad in defence.’