The football world united in mourning the death of Diego Maradona at the age of 60 on Wednesday.
Famous for almost single-handedly driving Argentina to glory at the 1986 World Cup and scoring the infamous Hand of God against England along the way, Maradona is considered one of the greatest footballers ever to walk the Earth.
The forward died at his home in Tigre, a city just outside Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, following cardiac arrest, just weeks after having major surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain, it was announced on Wednesday.
Tributes poured in from his former clubs, team-mates, friends and rivals.
Brazilian Pele, who is considered Maradona’s rival in debates about the greatest ever player, said: “What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.”
Osvaldo Ardiles, Maradona’s friend and former Argentina team-mate, said: “Thank dear Dieguito for your friendship, for your football, sublime, without comparison. Simply, the best football player in the history of football. So many enjoyable moments together. Impossible to say which one was the best. RIP my dear friend.”
Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernandez, declared three days of national mourning and schools in the Italian city Naples, where he is held in the highest esteem, will close for the day on Thursday.
Boca Juniors, the Argentinian club where he made his name, posted “Eternal thanks” on social media. Napoli, where he is an adopted son, added: “The world awaits our words but there are no words to describe the pain we’re going through. Now is the time to grieve.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who scored in that World Cup quarter-final against Argentina only to see Maradona’s Hand of God and a stunning mazy dribble to score the winner, said: “By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego”
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal and Juventus forward who many consider a modern-day rival for the title of greatest footballer, said: “Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.”
A minute’s silence was held on Wednesday night ahead of all Uefa’s Champions League games.
Rio Ferdinand, the former England and Manchester United defender, said: “My first football hero. Few people have impact over generations like this man did. The greatest, the best, the artist, the man…charismatic, a leader…A WINNER! One of the main reasons why I went out on my estate to kick a ball, pretending to be Diego.”
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, said: “On behalf of the FA, our deepest condolences go to Diego Maradona’s family and friends, the Argentine Football Association and the Argentinian people – as well as all the clubs he served.
“Undoubtedly one of the finest footballers to ever play the game, his remarkable achievements on the global stage will never be forgotten. It is important today that we celebrate his football genius and mourn his passing at the age of just 60.”
Diego Maradona – (1960-2020)
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3o0dMlN
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