Maradona said on Friday that "the moment has arrived" to give a chance to the leading player of the 1986 world champion team.

"I'd like to (coach the tema)," Maradona said when asked about his interest in Basile's job.

"Never in all these years, I had never had an opportunity so clear like now. I'm ready to take the risk," Maradona said.

Talking to local radio station La Red and TV channel TyC Sports, Maradona said that if that possibility "reaches before my birthday(on Oct. 30 he will be 48 years old), it will be the most beautiful gift of my life, together with my two daughters."

Basile resigned on Thursday after Argentina lost to Chile in a World Cup qualifier.