who it can be argued is Colombia’s greatest ever footballer, is in India to promote the FIFA U-17 World Cup starting October 6. In a conversation with Boria Majumdar, Valderrama gives his early impressions of Indian football, what the U-17 World Cup can do for the country, Diego Maradona and how Lionel Messi compares with El Diego. Edited excerpts:I didn’t know that India was so passionate about football. I must say I’m surprised and pleasantly so. People in this country seem to know a lot about world football, follow European leagues and love the beautiful game. (I) wonder why India hasn’t yet come up the ranks in world football. I was taken aback when someone told me that your local derby (Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal in Kolkata), the equivalent of the El Clasico is watched by (about) 100,000 people in the stadium. That’s really huge and should be something India ought to market.Oh absolutely. The U-17 World Cup is the right tournament to start with. The country will get behind the team, tourists will come to India, matches will be telecast and football will be the talk in the country. That’s what you need to stimulate growth and create the right atmosphere. I am sure in a country like India there is no dearth of talent. What you need is systematic harnessing of that talent and the U-17 World Cup should provide that opportunity.First, let me tell you he was the best ever, by far the best footballer of all time. He was magic. Such skill, grace, speed is just unheard of. I have played against him and I know what I am talking about. And yes he is a good friend of mine and I am also a fan. When Maradona retired, I was one of the first people he called for his farewell game and I reciprocated the same when I retired. He was the first person I called and he immediately accepted and came over. It has been a pleasure knowing him well and playing against him.There is no comparison. Diego is the best by far. Messi is a very good footballer no doubt but he is no Diego. No one is close to Diego and it is best to leave it at that. I am by no means trying to belittle Messi and any of the other contemporary greats like Ronaldo , but to compare with Diego is not fair.I have heard a little and know that Western footballers and coaches are coming to India to play.(Laughs) I am first here for work. To promote the U-17 World Cup. And my first task is that of an ambassador for the game we all love. And I am in Kolkata to promote the Diego Maradona vs Sourav Ganguly charity match. I read up on Ganguly before I came here and I am aware he has a cult following in Kolkata. Only after I get done with work will I turn tourist like you say. But yes, I will definitely want to buy some things for my wife and try out your street food and local delicacies. I have heard a lot about Kolkata fish.