BUENOS AIRES. July 6: Diego Mar-adona says he feels physically like he did in 1990. the year he

led Argentina into their second consecutive World Cup final, report agencies.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference Saturday after two weeks of training with Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson In Toronto. Maradona said he was In "good" shape and "All set to show what I can do on the pitch."

"I'm returning because I want to be champion with Boca Juniors again." said Maradona, who appeared with Johnson at the news conference.

Maradona, who won his first league championship in 1980 with Boca, was unsure, however. whether he would return in a July 13 match against Racing in the current season as he had vowed to do in Canada.

"1 want to do it, but the decision rests with (Boca coach Hector) Veira, whom I haven't talked to yet." he said.

Looking healthy and trim — he says his weight Is 77 kilos (170 pounds), down from 88 kilos (194 pounds) from two months ago. Maradona displayed his stamina by running for several minutes on a belt.

”1 owe it to Ben (Johnson), the fastest man in the world," he said. "He gave me stamina. I've never been stronger in my life."

professional match 11 months ago, then stripped off and to the background music of the Oscar winning film 'Chariots of Fire' worked on a treadmill for 18 minutes. "I am doing this Just so all the Argentines who love me can see that I have not cheated." Maradona said.

Maradona, who won the South American player of the year award three times, said Johnson had provided him with extra speed and stamina.

Johnson is facing his own comeback attempt. He is asking a Canadian court to declare his lifetime ban from competing — a penalty imposed by the IAAF for a second positive drug test — Illegal.

Maradona is a fun guy to work with. Age is no problem," Johnson said. "He believes, in his heart and soul he can be the best in the world again, and he'll do it.

Johnson, 35. was stripped of his Olympic 100-metre gold medal in 1988 and suspended for two years for testing positive for steroids. The IAAF banned him for life after he failed another drug test In 1993. The Canadian court is expected to rule on his case on July 21.

"1 pray to God, (it) will for-CBen," Maradona said. "He .

real talent. He's and animal."

Johnson is hoping a favourable court ruling will influence an IAAF council, scheduled to meet July 27.

With Maradona as captain. Argentina won their second World Cup title in Mexico, in 1986, and lost the final to Germany in 1990.

Maradona, 36. was suspended by FIFA for 15 months in 1991 after testing positive for cocaine use following an Italian league game with Napoli. He also was thrown out of the 1994 World Cup and suspended for using banned stimulants.

In April. Maradona signed a deal reportedly worth 50,000 dollars per match to rejoin Boca, his fifth attempt to return to the game. He said at the time he would need a month to return to fitness to play.

He trained first in southern Argentina and then went to Canada in mid-June to train with Johnson.

In earlier comeback attempts. Maradona left the team saying the club's morning training sessions were scheduled too early.

In March, Maradona turned down an offer from Boca, saying he refused to wear the club's Nike-sponsored Jersey. He has a personal contract with German sporting goods company Puma.

The temperamental star particularly objected to two white lines added to the blue-and-gold Jersey by Nike.