Diego Maradona, the worlds’ greatest footballer died Wednesday of a heart attack at the age of 60. The late became a global icon after leading Argentina to the 1986 World Cup.
He underwent brain surgery to remove a blood clot earlier in November.
He had successful surgery on a brain blood clot earlier in November and was to be treated for alcohol dependency.
In a statement on social media, the Argentine Football Association expressed “its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend”, adding: “You will always be in our hearts.”
Declaring three days of national mourning, Alberto Fernandez, the president of Argentina, said: “You took us to the top of the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of them all.”
Diego Armando Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, in Lanus.
He made his debut for Argentinos Juniors just before his 16th birthday and his debut for Argentina at age 16 in February 1977.
Maradona played for Barcelona and Napoli during his club career, winning two Serie A titles with the Italian side.
He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, representing them in four World Cups.
He retired from professional football in 1997, on his 37th birthday, during his second stint at Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
Having briefly managed two sides in Argentina during his playing career, Maradona was appointed head coach of the national team in 2008 and left after the 2010 World Cup, where his side was beaten by Germany in the quarter-finals.
He subsequently managed teams in the United Arab Emirates and Mexico and was in charge of Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina’s top flight at the time of his death.
He has left behind his wife Claudia Villafane whom he married in 1984. They had two daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, and divorced in 2004. He also had a son, Diego Junior, born in Naples in 1986.
Pelé, Edson Arantes do Nascimento paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona saying, “What sad news. I have lost a great friend and the world has lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to his family. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.”
Que notícia triste. Eu perdi um grande amigo e o mundo perdeu uma lenda. Ainda há muito a ser dito, mas por agora, que Deus dê força para os familiares. Um dia, eu espero que possamos jogar bola juntos no céu. pic.twitter.com/6Li76HTikA
— Pelé (@Pele) November 25, 2020
”Even if I played for a million years, I’d never come close to Diego Maradona. Not that I would want to anyway. He’s the greatest there’s ever been.”
– Lionel Messi pic.twitter.com/hKAc7RIQMY
— 433 (@433) November 25, 2020
“What a player he was — undoubtedly the best of his era and up there with the greatest ever."
Bryan Robson on Diego Maradona ❤
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2020
1/2 We have lost a legend and an icon. This is a very sad day for the football world. On behalf of the government and people of Liberia and in my own name, I wish to extend deepest condolences to the family, the people of Argentina and all lovers of the beautiful game for the pic.twitter.com/omk1jC1Pfr
— George Weah (@GeorgeWeahOff) November 25, 2020
