Maradona dies aged 60
Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, who captained Argentina during their 1986 World Cup win, producing a series of sublime individual performances has died aged 60.
In 1986 Maradona won the World Cup 1986 with Argentina, having knocked England out of the tournament in a match which saw him score the infamous “ Hand of God” goal an another widely considered to be one of the greatest goals of all time.
The former midfielder and manager had successful surgery on a brain blood clot earlier in November. He was to be treated then for alcohol dependency.
Maradona who scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, representing them in four World Cups, also played for Barcelona and Napoli during his club career, winning two Serie A titles with the Italian side.
He led his country to 1990 final in Italy, where they were beaten by West Germany, before captaining them again in the United States in 1994, but was sent home for failing a drug test for ephedrine.
Maradona struggle with cocaine addiction and was banned for 15 months after testing positive for the drug in 1991. Soon after his 37th birthday, he retired from professional football in 1997, during his second stint at Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
He 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.
“What a 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 ball together in the sky.” wrote Football legend Pele of Brazil led tributes to Diego Armando Maradona on Twitter.
Lionel Messi said “Diego is eternal. A very sad day for Argentine football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I send my condolences to all his family and friends”.