Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona has apologized for the first time about his ``Hand of God'' goal against England at soccer's 1986 World Cup, the Sun said, citing an interview with the 47-year-old.

``If I could apologize and go back and change history I would do,'' Maradona said. ``But the goal is still a goal, Argentina became world champions and I was the best player in the world.''

Maradona punched the ball into the net to give Argentina a 51st-minute lead in the quarterfinal, before three minutes later scoring a goal that was voted the best in the competition's history in a 2002 poll on the Web site of governing body FIFA. Argentina won the match 2-1.

Maradona, who has been visiting the U.K., also said David Beckham is ``just a good player, nothing more'' and that new England coach Fabio Capello needs to work on the mental state of the national team's players.

To contact the reporter on this story: James Cone in London at jcone@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: January 31, 2008 07:47 EST