Football world paid rich tribute to Maradona
Brazil legend Pele and Portugal superstar Ronaldo paid tribute to legendary Maradona
Football legend
Diego Maradona died at the age of 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest, as per
media reports in Argentina.
The world
cup-winning captain was hospitalised and had undergone brain surgery. Maradona
was discharged on November 11. Many clubs and players paid their heartfelt
tribute to the Argentine. Brazil's legendary football player Pele paid tribute
to Maradona.
"Certainly,
one day we'll kick a ball together in the sky above," Pele said in a brief
statement.
Pele and
Maradona are considered to be one of the best in the game. Both players played
a vital role for their respective countries. Maradona helped Argentina win the
world cup in 1986. Pele, himself has won the world cup thrice.
Both players
have appeared together at many occasions and have been respectful to each
other.
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.”
“Thank you
for having existed, Diego. We’re going to miss you all our lives.”
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,” Ronaldo tweeted.
“He leaves a
legacy without limits,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, who is seen as the successor to
Maradona in being the true global superstar of the game, tweeted just minutes
after the shocking news of Maradona’s demise gripped the world.
Maradona was
captain when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, scoring the famous ‘Hand of God’
goal against England in the quarter-finals.
He scored 34
goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, representing them in four World Cups.
Maradona led
his country to the 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
after failing a drugs test for ephedrine.
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 was
managing an Argentine club, Gimnasia de La Plata. He played club football for
Boca Juniors, Napoli and Barcelona among others and was adored by millions all
over the world for his brilliant skills. He spent two years at the Nou Camp
before heading to Napoli, where he spent the next seven seasons and scored over
100 goals.
His
trophy-laden career was tinged with controversy because of drug and alcohol
addiction. He almost died of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000 and
underwent years of rehabilitation.
Despite his
fair share of controversies, Maradona was hailed as one of the majestic
footballers to have graced the football pitch and his left-foot is still
admired by many elite footballers.
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