A St Andrews University student spotted training next to Dundee United’s base has told of his amazement at going viral for his likeness to Diego Maradona.
Gregory Chang, 19, was at rugby practice on Tuesday when he appeared on Sky Sports as the broadcaster interviewed interim Tangerines caretaker manager Liam Fox ahead of his side’s midweek win over Livingston.
The clip was shared across the world – making headlines in the late football legend’s native Argentina – and has racked up over five million views.
Shock at Dundee United ‘Maradona’ clip going viral
Gregory told The Courier: “I saw the camera but I didn’t know it was recording so I had no idea I was on Sky Sports.
“I was just doing some kicking training with the university rugby team for pre-season on the pitch next to where Dundee United were training.
“It’s really funny. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it had reached five million views!
“The rugby guys spotted it online and it’s just grown from there.
Avvistato il fantasma di Diego Armando Maradona sul campo del Dundee United in Scozia 🏴 #Maradona #DiegoArmandoMaradona #Dundee pic.twitter.com/Rjtmi6DGWI
— Alessandro De Marchi (@etrusco74) August 31, 2022
“All day I was in shock, just saying: ‘Oh my days!’
“It’s all happened really quickly and I’ve had friends from Australia and Macedonia sending it to me. It’s been hilarious.
“People won’t know me watching the video but my friends all know it’s me.
“It’s completely insane.”
‘I’ve got the same kind of shape as Maradona’
And it’s not the first time Gregory’s been called a Diego doppelganger.
He said: “I’d been nicknamed ‘Maradona’ before, mainly because of my hair.
“I didn’t intend for my hair to be like his, that’s just the way I like it.
“Once I was on the tube in London and one of the workers came across and said: ‘You look like Maradona!’
“I just said thank you. I guess I better thank my parents for the genetics!
“Everyone says I look like him and that I also move a bit like him as well. I’ve got the same kind of shape with a long torso and short legs.”
Gregory’s parents Roy and Angela are over from Hong Kong visiting their son this week and have enjoyed the attention he is getting online.
But becoming a social media sensation hasn’t stopped his mum telling him to get a haircut.
He said: “My family love football. We are all Liverpool supporters so they are enjoying it as well.
“It’s crazy but amazing at the same time.
“The funny thing is my mum doesn’t like my hair being this long.
“But I’m definitely keeping it now!
“I’ll probably dress up like Maradona for Hallowe’en and have a good laugh about it.
“You never know, I might visit Argentina one day.”
Doors opening in Fife for Diego Maradona lookalike
Last year Greg helped the St Andrews University rugby team to promotion and victory in the Fife Cup.
He is back again for his second year but could now be persuaded to take up his other sporting love.
Though he admits to being a better rugby player than footballer, doors have already begun to open for the man who moves like Maradona.
“I love rugby but I’m a big football fan too,” he added.
“I’m not that good at football but a few Sunday League teams in St Andrews have approached me.”
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