Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s shock exit from Fujairah in the immediate aftermath of Friday’s devastating failure to gain automatic Arabian Gulf League promotion was “made in mutual agreement”, according to his lawyer.

The startling departure of the lionised 57-year-old and his technical staff was abruptly announced by the ambitious First Division League-outfit hours after a 1-1 draw with 10-man Khor Fakkan caused them to slip into next month’s play-off against Hatta. Their iconic – but controversial – tactician had initially been expected to oversee a two-legged contest on May 9 and 13 versus the top flight’s bottom club.

A lack of clarity about the surprise decision followed, with Maradona’s UAE-based representatives left in the dark about the Wolves’ intent. But lawyer Matias Morla insisted his celebrated client had reached a consensus to walk away before the end of his one-season contract and was not sacked.

“After today’s draw and having not achieved the goal of promotion, Diego Maradona will no longer be the coach of Fujairah,” Morla tweeted.

“The decision was made in mutual agreement and Diego leaves the team in a play-off situation. He wishes the best to the club that opened its doors.”

The lauded ex-Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli forward – named joint FIFA Player of the Century in 2000 alongside Brazil’s Pele – stunned the world last May when he was hired amid a blaze of publicity. His task upon the end of a five-year exile from the dugout was to ensure the Wolves made the top flight for the first time since 2015/16.

On the UAE’s east coast, Maradona avoided defeat throughout the regular 2017/18 campaign. Earlier this month, a creditable 4-2 loss had also been registered in the President’s Cup quarter-finals against AGL champions Al Ain.

But his profligate side was hamstrung by 11 draining second-division draws. The latest was to prove fatal as it saw them demoted to third on the final day at the expense of Ittihad Kalba, who joined champions Bani Yas back in the top flight.

“Maradona’s numbers at Fujairah speak of a clear historical campaign for the club,” Morla added. “For the first time they finished the season unbeaten in the 22 games he took charge of, winning 11 and drawing 11.”

Maradona’s previous posting was unceremoniously cut short by Al Wasl in July 2012 halfway through a two-year deal.