Treating Football legend Diego Maradona before his death is been investigated for possible manslaughter by Argentinian prosecutors. Maradona's lawyers has alleged medical negligence.

Football legend Diego Maradona's doctor under investigation

Tributes are still pouring in from across the world for footballing giant Diego Maradona who passed away on November 25.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Leo Messi, the sentimental heir to Maradona's legacy as Argentina's footballing god gave his personal tribute to the 60-year-old in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.

However, for Maradona's actual heirs, a messy legal battle for a share of his inheritance could be in the offing.&nbsp;

Sources say Maradona has left no will and a lifetime of excesses both on and off the field is bound to lead to complications.&nbsp;

In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

''The times of the probation trial will depend on the will of the parties, it will depend on what Maradona's children, the declared heirs, want to do. It will depend on the internal disputes they have within the incidents in the inheritance. If there are no disputes, the times may be very short, they should not exceed three months,'' said Martin Apolo, Buenos Aires-based soccer lawyer.&nbsp;

For several in Argentina and Naples, Maradona was a god-like figure.&nbsp;

He was also a devoted father to his two daughters, Giannina and Dalma despite occasional disputes.&nbsp;

However, he was also unfaithful to his wife Claudia Villafane, who was his childhood love and wife of 19 years.&nbsp;

Maradona in the past had acknowledged three other children born out of wedlock but also faced paternity suits by many others including three children in Cuba.&nbsp;

''Claudia Villafane (Maradona's ex-wife) in this case could not have access to Maradona's inheritance because she lost that right when she divorced him," Apolo said.&nbsp;

"Afterwards, there was no public news Maradona remarried. Therefore, I understand there is no one with equal or greater rights than his five children who were actually recognised and have Maradona's surname."

According to the law in Argentina, two-thirds of a person's assets must be left to the spouse or children.&nbsp;

The Argentinian footballing giant, even though, spent millions over the course of his career, but he still has an estimated worth of close to 90 million.&nbsp;

Other than his luxury cars, massive property and jewellery gifted by fans, his iconic items, including his famous jersey in which he scored Hand of God goal can generate millions.&nbsp;

Already his death has caused a family feud with one former partner saying she was not allowed at the funeral and so an all-out war for his wealth seems certain.&nbsp;

Tributes are still pouring in from across the world for footballing giant Diego Maradona who passed away on November 25. On Sunday, Leo Messi, the sentimental heir to Maradona's legacy as Argentina's footballing god gave his personal tribute to the 60-year-old in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.

Tributes are still pouring in from across the world for footballing giant Diego Maradona who passed away on November 25. On Sunday, Leo Messi, the sentimental heir to Maradona's legacy as Argentina's footballing god gave his personal tribute to the 60-year-old in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga. However, for Maradona's actual heirs, a messy legal battle for a share of his inheritance could be in the offing. Sources say Maradona has left no will and a lifetime of excesses both on and off the field is bound to lead to complications. In pics | Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend ''The times of the probation trial will depend on the will of the parties, it will depend on what Maradona's children, the declared heirs, want to do. It will depend on the internal disputes they have within the incidents in the inheritance. If there are no disputes, the times may be very short, they should not exceed three months,'' said Martin Apolo, Buenos Aires-based soccer lawyer. For several in Argentina and Naples, Maradona was a god-like figure. He was also a devoted father to his two daughters, Giannina and Dalma despite occasional disputes. However, he was also unfaithful to his wife Claudia Villafane, who was his childhood love and wife of 19 years. Maradona in the past had acknowledged three other children born out of wedlock but also faced paternity suits by many others including three children in Cuba. ''Claudia Villafane (Maradona's ex-wife) in this case could not have access to Maradona's inheritance because she lost that right when she divorced him," Apolo said. "Afterwards, there was no public news Maradona remarried. Therefore, I understand there is no one with equal or greater rights than his five children who were actually recognised and have Maradona's surname." According to the law in Argentina, two-thirds of a person's assets must be left to the spouse or children. The Argentinian footballing giant, even though, spent millions over the course of his career, but he still has an estimated worth of close to 90 million. Other than his luxury cars, massive property and jewellery gifted by fans, his iconic items, including his famous jersey in which he scored Hand of God goal can generate millions. Already his death has caused a family feud with one former partner saying she was not allowed at the funeral and so an all-out war for his wealth seems certain.

Maradona's legacy will continue and so seems the battle for his inheritance

A hearse bearing the flag-draped coffin of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona rolled through the center of Buenos Aires Thursday as thousands of fans bade him a final farewell.

Amid blaring sirens and surrounded by motorcycle police outriders, the funeral cortege swept quickly through the streets around the presidential palace, where thousands of fans had filed past Maradona's coffin since early morning.&nbsp;

The lying in state, which had been extended to cope with the crowds surrounding the palace, was cut short by the family and officials after unruly fans took over an inner courtyard of the presidency.

Police then clashed with fans in the city center as the event threatened to descend into chaos.

The cortege avoided the main 9 de Julio avenue where many fans had gathered, and instead sped onto a highway out of the capital, following by dozens of photographers and cameramen on motorbikes.

Maradona was to be laid to rest at the Jardin de Paz cemetery on the outskirts of the Argentine capital after a private family ceremony.&nbsp;

A hearse bearing the flag-draped coffin of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona rolled through the center of Buenos Aires Thursday as thousands of fans bade him a final farewell.

A hearse bearing the flag-draped coffin of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona rolled through the center of Buenos Aires Thursday as thousands of fans bade him a final farewell. Amid blaring sirens and surrounded by motorcycle police outriders, the funeral cortege swept quickly through the streets around the presidential palace, where thousands of fans had filed past Maradona's coffin since early morning. The lying in state, which had been extended to cope with the crowds surrounding the palace, was cut short by the family and officials after unruly fans took over an inner courtyard of the presidency. Police then clashed with fans in the city center as the event threatened to descend into chaos. The cortege avoided the main 9 de Julio avenue where many fans had gathered, and instead sped onto a highway out of the capital, following by dozens of photographers and cameramen on motorbikes. Maradona was to be laid to rest at the Jardin de Paz cemetery on the outskirts of the Argentine capital after a private family ceremony.

Maradona funeral cortege heads to cemetery near Buenos Aires

Napoli's players honoured club legend Diego Maradona on Thursday by stepping out onto the pitch wearing his number 10 jersey before their 2-0 Europa League win over Rijeka.

"Diego is a legend and will never die," said Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso.

"Since yesterday you could see that the city breathed a different atmosphere.

"We hope to dedicate something important to him and win a trophy.

"In this city we have talked about it for too many years."

Rijeka did not spoil the tribute with Napoli beating their modest rivals thanks to an own-goal from the visitor's Italian left-back Armando Anastasio before the break.

The Naples-born player took a touch to a Matteo Politano goal-bound effort, and was credited with the goal.&nbsp;

Hirving Lozano sealed victory with quarter of an hour to go, firing in a Lorenzo Insigne cross.

Gattuso's side ended their two-match losing streak at their home stadium to take top place in Group F with Rijeka bottom without a win in four games.

"I have many good memories," recalled Gattuso.

"I had the opportunity to talk many times with Diego, to have dinner several times with him.&nbsp;

"He has done so many extraordinary things. He made mistakes in his private life, but for what he did he will remain always alive.&nbsp;

"Diego came from another planet and he will live forever like all legends.

"I would have liked to tackle him as a player," added former Italy World Cup winner Gattuso.

Captain Insigne had earlier led the tributes alongside fans gathered outside the San Paolo Stadium before the game, Napoli's first since Maradona's death at the age of 60 on Wednesday.

All wearing black armbands, the team also wore Maradona's iconic jersey during the team presentation and minute's silence, under a photo projected on a large screen of the man who led Napoli to league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989.

Throughout the day, supporters thronged in front of the San Paolo stadium, which could soon be renamed in honour of Maradona.&nbsp;

"I believe it is right to baptise the San Paolo with your name to still have you with us," wrote club president Aurelio de Laurentiis on the club's website.

A plaque was put up on the gates of the stadium which read "Diego Armando Maradona Stadium" and bore the face of the fans' Argentine hero.

Blue-white scarves, flowers, photos of Maradona and shirts stamped with number 10 were left in memory of the player whose seven seasons between 1984-1991 left an indelible mark on Neapolitans.

An hour before kick-off, there were still several hundred fans singing in front of the stadium.

Other Neapolitans, even more numerous, gathered in Piazza del Plebiscito in the centre of Naples.&nbsp;

Shortly before the match, Insigne and former Napoli storekeeper, Tommaso Starace, left the stadium to join the tributes by laying a wreath at the foot of the gates.

"Maradona means a lot, not just to me but to all Neapolitans. He has always stood up for us, he has always held us in his heart and we must do the same," said Insigne.

A few hundred fans remained outside the stadium during the game but most left before kick-off.

The Europa League match took place behind closed doors, like all matches in Italy because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Napoli's players honoured club legend Diego Maradona on Thursday by stepping out onto the pitch wearing his number 10 jersey before their 2-0 Europa League win over Rijeka.

Napoli's players honoured club legend Diego Maradona on Thursday by stepping out onto the pitch wearing his number 10 jersey before their 2-0 Europa League win over Rijeka. "Diego is a legend and will never die," said Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso. "Since yesterday you could see that the city breathed a different atmosphere. "We hope to dedicate something important to him and win a trophy. "In this city we have talked about it for too many years." Rijeka did not spoil the tribute with Napoli beating their modest rivals thanks to an own-goal from the visitor's Italian left-back Armando Anastasio before the break. The Naples-born player took a touch to a Matteo Politano goal-bound effort, and was credited with the goal. Hirving Lozano sealed victory with quarter of an hour to go, firing in a Lorenzo Insigne cross. Gattuso's side ended their two-match losing streak at their home stadium to take top place in Group F with Rijeka bottom without a win in four games. "I have many good memories," recalled Gattuso. "I had the opportunity to talk many times with Diego, to have dinner several times with him. "He has done so many extraordinary things. He made mistakes in his private life, but for what he did he will remain always alive. "Diego came from another planet and he will live forever like all legends. "I would have liked to tackle him as a player," added former Italy World Cup winner Gattuso. Captain Insigne had earlier led the tributes alongside fans gathered outside the San Paolo Stadium before the game, Napoli's first since Maradona's death at the age of 60 on Wednesday. All wearing black armbands, the team also wore Maradona's iconic jersey during the team presentation and minute's silence, under a photo projected on a large screen of the man who led Napoli to league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. Throughout the day, supporters thronged in front of the San Paolo stadium, which could soon be renamed in honour of Maradona. "I believe it is right to baptise the San Paolo with your name to still have you with us," wrote club president Aurelio de Laurentiis on the club's website. A plaque was put up on the gates of the stadium which read "Diego Armando Maradona Stadium" and bore the face of the fans' Argentine hero. Blue-white scarves, flowers, photos of Maradona and shirts stamped with number 10 were left in memory of the player whose seven seasons between 1984-1991 left an indelible mark on Neapolitans. An hour before kick-off, there were still several hundred fans singing in front of the stadium. Other Neapolitans, even more numerous, gathered in Piazza del Plebiscito in the centre of Naples. Shortly before the match, Insigne and former Napoli storekeeper, Tommaso Starace, left the stadium to join the tributes by laying a wreath at the foot of the gates. "Maradona means a lot, not just to me but to all Neapolitans. He has always stood up for us, he has always held us in his heart and we must do the same," said Insigne. A few hundred fans remained outside the stadium during the game but most left before kick-off. The Europa League match took place behind closed doors, like all matches in Italy because of the coronavirus pandemic.

'Diego will never die:' Napoli honour Maradona with Europa League win

Diego Maradona was not just a footballing superstar in Argentina, he was its greatest son and its greatest icon. For people across the country his death has been nothing less than a personal blow. Why is his passing a national tragedy? WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo spoke to Deputy Envoy Martin Via of the Embassy of Argentina in New Delhi to understand the impact the 1986 World Cup winner had on the people of his country.

Maradona's body lay in state at the presidential palace

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/in-grief-filled-farewell-diego-maradona-laid-to-rest-in-bella-vista-cemetery-345901">Diego Maradona was laid to rest on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in the Bella Vista cemetery</a> after a chaotic public event on Friday. While Maradona’s demise has left a huge void in the world of football, tributes continue to pour in for the 1986 World Cup-winner and a true legend of the game.&nbsp;

In an exclusive interaction with WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Argentina in India, Martin Via said that Maradona was the most human among all the Gods while adding he was a fallen angel, who produced magic with the ball and gave uncountable joyous moments. &nbsp;

“If you have followed the messages coming from Argentine. Something that impacted me was it was not grief, it was joy people were crying with love, singing his name, the chants. Everyone has been crying for the last two days but everyone is happy. Everyone is thanking Maradona for what he gave us. It is a sad day,” Martin Via told WION.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

Thousands gathered outside the presidential palace in Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse of Maradona’s coffin and paid their last respect to the great man, who spent the majority of his career playing for Napoli while taking the field for gigantic clubs like Barcelona and Sevilla.&nbsp;

“Where Maradona was born was part of a poor part of Buenos Aires. Maradona taught everyone if you have courage you can achieve anything. But he was outspoken and took on the power and was never afraid to speak. He was an important figure,” Martin Via further said.

Maradona’s demise sparked mourning around the world as millions took to social media and streets to express their grief on the passing away of arguably the greatest hero Argentina has ever produced.

When asked which shade of Maradona has left the most impact in Argentina – the footballer or the man who was engulfed in controversies and addiction issues – Martin Via beautifully summed up what Maradona means to the Argentine people.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

“People remember two parts of Diego Maradona. Maradona the footballer, Maradona other man in his personal life. He lived many many lives. I remember my grandparent, who was quite attached to football. He could not talk about Maradona because he lived over the top life. He was a very good player but his life was different. We love Maradona because he is most human among all the gods. He is a fallen angel he represents humanity the one who produced magic with the ball and that man who suffered many problems in his life,” Martin Via added.

Maradona was laid to rest on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in the Bella Vista cemetery on Friday.

Diego Maradona was laid to rest on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in the Bella Vista cemetery after a chaotic public event on Friday. While Maradona’s demise has left a huge void in the world of football, tributes continue to pour in for the 1986 World Cup-winner and a true legend of the game.

Diego Maradona was laid to rest on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in the Bella Vista cemetery after a chaotic public event on Friday. While Maradona’s demise has left a huge void in the world of football, tributes continue to pour in for the 1986 World Cup-winner and a true legend of the game. In an exclusive interaction with WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Argentina in India, Martin Via said that Maradona was the most human among all the Gods while adding he was a fallen angel, who produced magic with the ball and gave uncountable joyous moments. “If you have followed the messages coming from Argentine. Something that impacted me was it was not grief, it was joy people were crying with love, singing his name, the chants. Everyone has been crying for the last two days but everyone is happy. Everyone is thanking Maradona for what he gave us. It is a sad day,” Martin Via told WION. IN PICS | Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend Thousands gathered outside the presidential palace in Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse of Maradona’s coffin and paid their last respect to the great man, who spent the majority of his career playing for Napoli while taking the field for gigantic clubs like Barcelona and Sevilla. “Where Maradona was born was part of a poor part of Buenos Aires. Maradona taught everyone if you have courage you can achieve anything. But he was outspoken and took on the power and was never afraid to speak. He was an important figure,” Martin Via further said. Maradona’s demise sparked mourning around the world as millions took to social media and streets to express their grief on the passing away of arguably the greatest hero Argentina has ever produced. When asked which shade of Maradona has left the most impact in Argentina – the footballer or the man who was engulfed in controversies and addiction issues – Martin Via beautifully summed up what Maradona means to the Argentine people. IN PICS | World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona “People remember two parts of Diego Maradona. Maradona the footballer, Maradona other man in his personal life. He lived many many lives. I remember my grandparent, who was quite attached to football. He could not talk about Maradona because he lived over the top life. He was a very good player but his life was different. We love Maradona because he is most human among all the gods. He is a fallen angel he represents humanity the one who produced magic with the ball and that man who suffered many problems in his life,” Martin Via added. Maradona was laid to rest on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in the Bella Vista cemetery on Friday.

Diego Maradona was most human among all the gods: Martin Via to WION

Football legend Diego Maradona was buried on the outskirts of Buenos Aires alongside his parents in a private ceremony attended by only close friends and family. Maradona was not just a footballing superstar in Argentina, he was also the country's greatest icon. Fans thronged the Presidential Palace for a last glimpse of their hero and then lined the road to the Bella Vista cemetery for the legend's final journey.

Football legend Diego Maradona laid to rest in Bella Vista cemetery

The world of football was dealt a huge blow on Wednesday with the news of Diego Maradona’s passing at the age of 60. In Spain, there was particular sadness as so many of those currently at the heart of Spanish football knew the Argentine or were touched by him from his time in LaLiga.

It was in LaLiga that Maradona took his first steps in European football, joining Barcelona for a then-world-record fee of $7.6million after starring in his home country for Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors. Joan Gaspart, who was the vice-president at Barcelona at the time, later revealed in interviews that the Barça directors who went to Argentina to work on the signing had to travel in a tank because the Argentine authorities feared for their safety.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/in-grief-filled-farewell-diego-maradona-laid-to-rest-in-bella-vista-cemetery-345901" hreflang="en">In grief-filled farewell, Diego Maradona laid to rest in Bella Vista cemetery</a>

Prizing Maradona away from his loyal fans in Buenos Aires was tough, but it was worth it. Barcelona had acquired an elite player. Injury and illness meant Maradona didn’t play as many games for the&nbsp;Blaugrana&nbsp;as the club had hoped, but when he did take to the pitch of Europe’s biggest stadium it was quite a spectacle.

Even at the Bernabéu, the home of Barcelona’s eternal rivals Real Madrid, Maradona impressed. In one match, he was even applauded by the fans of the capital city side, with white handkerchiefs waved respectfully in the air after Maradona performed a graceful sidestep right next to the goal line to leave right-back Juan José flying into the post as the No.10 rolled the ball into the net.

“I remember our early training sessions with him, where the rest of the team were so amazed that they just stood and watched him,” Lobo Carrasco, one of the other Barcelona squad members at that time, recalled when looking back to that era.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

After leaving Barcelona to embark on his iconic adventure with Napoli in 1984, Maradona returned to Spain in 1992. This time he signed with Sevilla FC and reunited with Carlos Bilardo, who’d been the coach as Argentina won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico with Maradona as the star of the show.

It was only one season, but that 1992/93 campaign was one that all&nbsp;Sevillistas&nbsp;from that time still remember. In his first home game at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Maradona scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Real Zaragoza. Who else?

It wasn’t peak Maradona at Sevilla and he’d been out of the game for the year before his arrival, but his mere presence made an impact across the club. Fans would arrive at the stadium early just to watch his famous warm-ups, while the forward made an impact on the young players in that squad, players such as Diego Simeone or current Sevilla Sporting Director Monchi. “He helped me in a spectacular way at Sevilla,” Simeone remembered. Monchi, meanwhile, has often told a story that sums up Maradona’s generosity: “I was walking with Maradona one day and he saw that I had a Rolex, which I admitted to him was a fake one. Then, after training one day, he told me to wait behind and he gifted me a Cartier so that I’d never have to wear a fake watch again.”

Maradona intended to stay at Sevilla for some time, bringing several of his favourite cars to the city. But he departed at the end of the 1992/93 season, returning to Argentina.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-is-very-special-place-diego-maradonas-love-for-kolkata-345485">'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata</a>

It wasn’t only at Barcelona and Sevilla that Maradona left an impact in Spain, though. He also impressed fans in Barcelona and Alicante, the cities where Argentina played during the 1982 World Cup. And, in 1987, Maradona even featured for Granada in a friendly match against Swedish side Malmö, doing so alongside his brothers Hugo and Lalo, who had just signed for the Andalusian club, at the old Estadio de Los Cármenes. That game remains to this day the only game in which the three brothers lined up on the same side.

Despite spending just a few years of his legendary career in Spain, Maradona made a huge impact, netting 27 goals in 62 games and winning the Copa del Rey, the Copa de la Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. His legacy will never be forgotten in Barcelona, Seville… or anywhere.

The world of football was dealt a huge blow on Wednesday with the news of Diego Maradona’s passing at the age of 60. In Spain, there was particular sadness as so many of those currently at the heart of Spanish football knew the Argentine or were touched by him from his time in LaLiga.

The world of football was dealt a huge blow on Wednesday with the news of Diego Maradona’s passing at the age of 60. In Spain, there was particular sadness as so many of those currently at the heart of Spanish football knew the Argentine or were touched by him from his time in LaLiga. It was in LaLiga that Maradona took his first steps in European football, joining Barcelona for a then-world-record fee of $7.6million after starring in his home country for Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors. Joan Gaspart, who was the vice-president at Barcelona at the time, later revealed in interviews that the Barça directors who went to Argentina to work on the signing had to travel in a tank because the Argentine authorities feared for their safety. ALSO READ: In grief-filled farewell, Diego Maradona laid to rest in Bella Vista cemetery Prizing Maradona away from his loyal fans in Buenos Aires was tough, but it was worth it. Barcelona had acquired an elite player. Injury and illness meant Maradona didn’t play as many games for the Blaugrana as the club had hoped, but when he did take to the pitch of Europe’s biggest stadium it was quite a spectacle. Even at the Bernabéu, the home of Barcelona’s eternal rivals Real Madrid, Maradona impressed. In one match, he was even applauded by the fans of the capital city side, with white handkerchiefs waved respectfully in the air after Maradona performed a graceful sidestep right next to the goal line to leave right-back Juan José flying into the post as the No.10 rolled the ball into the net. “I remember our early training sessions with him, where the rest of the team were so amazed that they just stood and watched him,” Lobo Carrasco, one of the other Barcelona squad members at that time, recalled when looking back to that era. IN PICS | Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend After leaving Barcelona to embark on his iconic adventure with Napoli in 1984, Maradona returned to Spain in 1992. This time he signed with Sevilla FC and reunited with Carlos Bilardo, who’d been the coach as Argentina won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico with Maradona as the star of the show. It was only one season, but that 1992/93 campaign was one that all Sevillistas from that time still remember. In his first home game at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Maradona scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Real Zaragoza. Who else? It wasn’t peak Maradona at Sevilla and he’d been out of the game for the year before his arrival, but his mere presence made an impact across the club. Fans would arrive at the stadium early just to watch his famous warm-ups, while the forward made an impact on the young players in that squad, players such as Diego Simeone or current Sevilla Sporting Director Monchi. “He helped me in a spectacular way at Sevilla,” Simeone remembered. Monchi, meanwhile, has often told a story that sums up Maradona’s generosity: “I was walking with Maradona one day and he saw that I had a Rolex, which I admitted to him was a fake one. Then, after training one day, he told me to wait behind and he gifted me a Cartier so that I’d never have to wear a fake watch again.” Maradona intended to stay at Sevilla for some time, bringing several of his favourite cars to the city. But he departed at the end of the 1992/93 season, returning to Argentina. ALSO READ: 'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata It wasn’t only at Barcelona and Sevilla that Maradona left an impact in Spain, though. He also impressed fans in Barcelona and Alicante, the cities where Argentina played during the 1982 World Cup. And, in 1987, Maradona even featured for Granada in a friendly match against Swedish side Malmö, doing so alongside his brothers Hugo and Lalo, who had just signed for the Andalusian club, at the old Estadio de Los Cármenes. That game remains to this day the only game in which the three brothers lined up on the same side. Despite spending just a few years of his legendary career in Spain, Maradona made a huge impact, netting 27 goals in 62 games and winning the Copa del Rey, the Copa de la Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. His legacy will never be forgotten in Barcelona, Seville… or anywhere.

La Liga mourns Diego Maradona's death, hold a minute’s silence before all matches this weekend

A massive crowd gave a grief-filled goodbye to Argentina’s favourite son Diego Maradona on Friday before the football legend was buried on the outskirts of Buenos Aires after a chaotic public event. The 1986 World Cup winner was laid to rest after a ceremony attended by family and close friends in the Bella Vista cemetery. Maradona breathed his last on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was recovering from recent brain surgery in his house in Tigre, Argentina.

Maradona’s demise sparked mourning around the world as millions took to social media platforms to pay heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest football players of all time.&nbsp;

"I thought Diego was immortal, I thought he would never die on us. I feel a terrible sadness for a person who made us so, so happy," said 63-year-old bus driver Antonio Avila outside the cemetery.

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The peaceful farewell ceremony was contrasted by the raucous scenes of his send-off in the Argentine capital that resembled his tumultuous life.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to stone-throwing fans that briefly threatened to mar the day of mourning.

In Naples, where Maradona is treated like a God among men after leading Napoli to two Serie A titles, fans held an all-day wake and players took to the pitch wearing his number 10 shirt.

Thousands of people had queued in Buenos Aires to go catch a glimpse of Maradona’s coffin, draped in the Argentine flag at the presidential palace.

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The hearse bearing Maradona’s coffin rolled through the gates of the presidency building into the streets of Buenos Aires.&nbsp;

As his playing days ended, his lifestyle began to take a toll. He was hospitalised three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues.

(From AFP inputs)

A massive crowd gave a grief-filled goodbye to Argentina’s favourite son Diego Maradona on Friday before the football legend was buried on the outskirts of Buenos Aires after a chaotic public event.

A massive crowd gave a grief-filled goodbye to Argentina’s favourite son Diego Maradona on Friday before the football legend was buried on the outskirts of Buenos Aires after a chaotic public event. The 1986 World Cup winner was laid to rest after a ceremony attended by family and close friends in the Bella Vista cemetery. Maradona breathed his last on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was recovering from recent brain surgery in his house in Tigre, Argentina. Maradona’s demise sparked mourning around the world as millions took to social media platforms to pay heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest football players of all time. "I thought Diego was immortal, I thought he would never die on us. I feel a terrible sadness for a person who made us so, so happy," said 63-year-old bus driver Antonio Avila outside the cemetery. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend The peaceful farewell ceremony was contrasted by the raucous scenes of his send-off in the Argentine capital that resembled his tumultuous life. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to stone-throwing fans that briefly threatened to mar the day of mourning. In Naples, where Maradona is treated like a God among men after leading Napoli to two Serie A titles, fans held an all-day wake and players took to the pitch wearing his number 10 shirt. Thousands of people had queued in Buenos Aires to go catch a glimpse of Maradona’s coffin, draped in the Argentine flag at the presidential palace. ALSO READ: World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona The hearse bearing Maradona’s coffin rolled through the gates of the presidency building into the streets of Buenos Aires. As his playing days ended, his lifestyle began to take a toll. He was hospitalised three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues. (From AFP inputs)

In grief-filled farewell, Diego Maradona laid to rest in Bella Vista cemetery

Diego Armando Maradona's death sent shock waves across the world including his former coach Carlos Bilardo, who guided Argentina to glory at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

According to Carlos's brother Jorge Bilardo, when the news broke, the family had to turn the television off so that Carlos wouldn't hear the tragic news as they knew he would take it badly.

"I was surprised to hear about Diego dying. Maradona was always a very difficult patient. He was a wonderful guy, the best", as quoted by Diario AS.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-is-very-special-place-diego-maradonas-love-for-kolkata-345485" hreflang="en">'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata</a>

Jorge also talked about the moment when Carlos named Maradona as Argentina captain. He said: "When Carlos told Diego he would be Argentina captain, he just mentioned it casually and left the room. Diego sat there crying with emotion."

Earlier, Napoli's players honoured club legend Diego Maradona on Thursday by stepping out onto the pitch wearing his number 10 jersey before their 2-0 Europa League win over Rijeka.

"Diego is a legend and will never die," said Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso.

"Since yesterday you could see that the city breathed a different atmosphere.

"We hope to dedicate something important to him and win a trophy.

"In this city we have talked about it for too many years."

Diego Armando Maradona's death sent shock waves across the world including his former coach Carlos Bilardo, who guided Argentina to glory at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.

Diego Armando Maradona's death sent shock waves across the world including his former coach Carlos Bilardo, who guided Argentina to glory at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. IN PICS| Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend According to Carlos's brother Jorge Bilardo, when the news broke, the family had to turn the television off so that Carlos wouldn't hear the tragic news as they knew he would take it badly. "I was surprised to hear about Diego dying. Maradona was always a very difficult patient. He was a wonderful guy, the best", as quoted by Diario AS. IN PICS| 'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata Jorge also talked about the moment when Carlos named Maradona as Argentina captain. He said: "When Carlos told Diego he would be Argentina captain, he just mentioned it casually and left the room. Diego sat there crying with emotion." Earlier, Napoli's players honoured club legend Diego Maradona on Thursday by stepping out onto the pitch wearing his number 10 jersey before their 2-0 Europa League win over Rijeka. "Diego is a legend and will never die," said Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso. "Since yesterday you could see that the city breathed a different atmosphere. "We hope to dedicate something important to him and win a trophy. "In this city we have talked about it for too many years."

Carlos Bilardo's brother reveals situation at home after Maradona's death

Diego Maradona’s final words before he passed away on Wednesday have been revealed. Reportedly, Maradona admitted that he was not feeling well at breakfast before going to lie down. The Argentine great died on Wednesday, aged 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his home in Tigre, Argentina.

Maradona was recovering from recent brain surgery to remove a blood clot at the start of November and was accompanied by his nephew, Johnny Esposito, and a nurse.

According to a report in The Sun, Maradona completed his breakfast on Wednesday morning and complained of feeling cold before telling his nephew that he was going to lie down as he didn’t feel good.

It is being claimed that Maradona, before going to bed, said: “Me siento mal” - which translates in England to “I don’t feel well”.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maradona-funeral-cortege-heads-to-cemetery-near-buenos-aires-345737" hreflang="en">Maradona funeral cortege heads to cemetery near Buenos Aires</a>

Maradona’s psychologist and psychiatrist both arrived at the site where it was concluded that he was unresponsive. 
According to a preliminary autopsy, reported by the Argentine media, they entered Maradona’s room after the World Cup-winner failed to respond to his nephew.

The report stated: “They went to his bedroom on the ground floor and spoke to him and he didn’t reply and they asked his nephew and an assistant to enter the room.

“They tried to wake him up and after failing to detect any vital signs made an unsuccessful attempt to revive him by practising CPR.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

”The first emergency medical responders on the scene continued the attempts to revive Maradona along with a surgeon who lives near the property, using adrenaline and atropine which is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of low heart rate."

As per the state prosecutors, Maradona died around midday local time with routine inquiry set to be completed before his death while confirming there is no suspicious occurrence.

Reportedly, Maradona died in his sleep from heart failure.&nbsp;

The prosecution general of San Isidro, John Broyad, said: “Diego Armando Maradona died around 12pm local time.

“The forensic police began their work at 4pm. No signs of any criminality or violence have been detected.

“The autopsy is being carried out to determine beyond any doubt the cause of death but we can say at this stage that everything is pointing to natural causes.”

Three days of national mourning have been announced by President Alberto Fernandez with public flocking the streets to pay tribute the legendary footballer.

Diego Maradona’s final words before he passed away on Wednesday have been revealed. Reportedly, Maradona admitted that he was not feeling well at breakfast before going to lie down.

Diego Maradona’s final words before he passed away on Wednesday have been revealed. Reportedly, Maradona admitted that he was not feeling well at breakfast before going to lie down. The Argentine great died on Wednesday, aged 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his home in Tigre, Argentina. Maradona was recovering from recent brain surgery to remove a blood clot at the start of November and was accompanied by his nephew, Johnny Esposito, and a nurse. According to a report in The Sun, Maradona completed his breakfast on Wednesday morning and complained of feeling cold before telling his nephew that he was going to lie down as he didn’t feel good. It is being claimed that Maradona, before going to bed, said: “Me siento mal” - which translates in England to “I don’t feel well”. ALSO READ: Maradona funeral cortege heads to cemetery near Buenos Aires Maradona’s psychologist and psychiatrist both arrived at the site where it was concluded that he was unresponsive. According to a preliminary autopsy, reported by the Argentine media, they entered Maradona’s room after the World Cup-winner failed to respond to his nephew. The report stated: “They went to his bedroom on the ground floor and spoke to him and he didn’t reply and they asked his nephew and an assistant to enter the room. “They tried to wake him up and after failing to detect any vital signs made an unsuccessful attempt to revive him by practising CPR. IN PICS | Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend ”The first emergency medical responders on the scene continued the attempts to revive Maradona along with a surgeon who lives near the property, using adrenaline and atropine which is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of low heart rate." As per the state prosecutors, Maradona died around midday local time with routine inquiry set to be completed before his death while confirming there is no suspicious occurrence. Reportedly, Maradona died in his sleep from heart failure. The prosecution general of San Isidro, John Broyad, said: “Diego Armando Maradona died around 12pm local time. “The forensic police began their work at 4pm. No signs of any criminality or violence have been detected. “The autopsy is being carried out to determine beyond any doubt the cause of death but we can say at this stage that everything is pointing to natural causes.” Three days of national mourning have been announced by President Alberto Fernandez with public flocking the streets to pay tribute the legendary footballer.

Diego Maradona's final words before his death revealed

Football legend Diego Maradona was buried outside Buenos Aires as fans continues to mourn and celebrate the life of an unparalleled genius. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Argentina's football legend Diego Maradona laid to rest in Bella Vista cemetery

Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest</a>.&nbsp;

The World Cup-winning Argentine maestro was recovering from brain surgery and died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Maradona was renowned for his majestic left-foot and impeccable control with the ball. He was most loved for his spells with clubs Boca Juniors in his homeland and Napoli in Italy, where he won club’s only two Serie A titles.

“You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team posted alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup.

Napoli’s Twitter feed said: “Always in our hearts, Ciao Diego.” Boca posted: “Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.” 
Maradona also played for Barcelona and Sevilla, Argentinos Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before starting on an indifferent managerial career.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411" hreflang="en">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

“Thank you for everything Diego. FC Barcelona expresses its deepest condolences regarding the death of Diego Armando Maradona, a player for our club (1982-84) and an icon of world football,” Barcelona said in a statement.

Maradona’s affair with drugs and alcohol is known to all which gave him the tag of a controversial footballer. His struggle with addiction – cocaine – and his weight was in contrast to many footballing greats. But despite all this, his god-gifted skills with the ball made him being regarded as arguably the greatest of all-time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eternal-maradonas-death-plunges-argentina-football-into-mourning-345471" hreflang="en">'Eternal' Maradona's death plunges Argentina, football into mourning</a>

The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. The World Cup-winning Argentine maestro was recovering from brain surgery and died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Maradona was renowned for his majestic left-foot and impeccable control with the ball. He was most loved for his spells with clubs Boca Juniors in his homeland and Napoli in Italy, where he won club’s only two Serie A titles. “You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team posted alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup. Napoli’s Twitter feed said: “Always in our hearts, Ciao Diego.” Boca posted: “Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.” Maradona also played for Barcelona and Sevilla, Argentinos Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before starting on an indifferent managerial career. IN PICS | World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona “Thank you for everything Diego. FC Barcelona expresses its deepest condolences regarding the death of Diego Armando Maradona, a player for our club (1982-84) and an icon of world football,” Barcelona said in a statement. Maradona’s affair with drugs and alcohol is known to all which gave him the tag of a controversial footballer. His struggle with addiction – cocaine – and his weight was in contrast to many footballing greats. But despite all this, his god-gifted skills with the ball made him being regarded as arguably the greatest of all-time. ALSO READ: 'Eternal' Maradona's death plunges Argentina, football into mourning The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack.

Diego Maradona's body arrives at presidential palace for period of lying in state

Football legend Diego Maradona has died after suffering a cardiac arrest, as per media reports in Argentina. Recently, the world cup-winning captain was hospitalised and went through brain surgery.

Football legend Diego Maradona has died after suffering a cardiac arrest, as per media reports in Argentina. Recently, the world cup-winning captain was hospitalised and went through brain surgery. Maradona was discharged on November 11. Footballing world poured their tribute to the Argentine. Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died. 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 — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 25, 2020 × We're joining the footballing world in saying farewell to one of the absolute greats. RIP Diego Maradona 💙 pic.twitter.com/n16SGF3KXn — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 25, 2020 × A magnetic personality. An otherworldly talent. One of the greatest to ever do it. Football will miss you. Rest in Peace, Diego Maradona 🙏 pic.twitter.com/n0wS5Spi9o — K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) November 25, 2020 × A true football legend passed away. It was an honor to have you in our stadium. Rest in peace, Diego Maradona 🌹 pic.twitter.com/38KAPadvHy — PSV (@PSV) November 25, 2020 × A true great of the game. Rest in peace, Diego Maradona. pic.twitter.com/jImGjnjhUl — Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 25, 2020 × RIP Diego Maradona, 60. A wild, passionate, complex footballing genius so brilliantly talented he reduced even the best opposing teams to mass quivering wrecks. Winning the World Cup for Argentina made him a Great. But what he did at Napoli made him a God. Such sad news. pic.twitter.com/H4R6oVfpmv — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 25, 2020 × Thank you for everything, Diego pic.twitter.com/bJ9l3ixY7A — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 25, 2020 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) ×

'RIP Diego Maradona': Footballing world pays tribute to former Argentine

Fans worldwide paid tribute and Argentina was in mourning on Thursday after Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, died aged 60 after years of drug and alcohol problems.

Thousands of mourners, many in tears, and many wearing the World Cup winner's number 10 Argentina jersey, gathered in streets and at stadiums around Buenos Aires in a spontaneous celebration of the player and manager's riotous life.

Tributes poured in from around the world as supporters, players and government leaders from South America to Europe and Asia marked the passing of an undisputed maestro.

The outrageously skilful Maradona, widely remembered for his "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, died of a heart attack while recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain, a member of his entourage told AFP.

Family members were summoned to Maradona's home north of Buenos Aires before his death was announced, triggering a wave of grief across the country and worldwide.

Lionel Messi, Argentina's modern-day superstar, led the tributes as he said: "He has left us but he will never leave us because Diego is eternal."

Brazilian legend Pele, 80, constantly compared with Maradona in the debate over football's greatest player, said he hoped they would one day "play together in the sky".

Hundreds of people were already queueing outside the presidential palace in Buenos Aires when Maradona's coffin arrived late on Wednesday to lie in state during a three-day period of national mourning.

Despite major coronavirus problems in Argentina, with more than 1.3 million cases, fans gathered at landmarks including Buenos Aires' Obelisk monument and Argentinos Juniors' Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, where he started his career.

Elsewhere, underlining Maradona's global appeal, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among those to offer tributes, and one fan held back tears as he spoke to AFP in Beijing.

<h2>- 'Hand of God' -</h2>

Maradona, born in Lanus, just south of Buenos Aires, on October 30, 1960, also played for Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli in a career marked by wild highs and lows.

In probably his most famous moment, he leapt and used his fist to score past England's Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, memorably describing the goal as "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God".

Minutes later he weaved through six English defenders from the halfway line to score an unforgettable solo second which was later honoured as FIFA's "Goal of the century".

The two contrasting goals perfectly encapsulated the mixture of brilliant skill and often outlandish behaviour that ran through Maradona's life.

Maradona's career was crowned by his performances at that World Cup, when he captained Argentina to glory.

After dismissing England he&nbsp;scored twice in the semi-final against Belgium, slaloming past four defenders for his second, and set up the 86th-minute winner in the final against West Germany.

It was to prove the highlight for Maradona, who inspired Argentina to the 1990 final only for West Germany to take their revenge. In 1994 -- after an infamous, eye-bulging goal celebration against Greece -- he failed a drugs test and was sent home in disgrace.&nbsp;

Gary Lineker, who was in the beaten England team in 1986, said Maradona was "arguably the greatest of all time", adding: "After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he'll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego."

Excesses with drugs and alcohol had long taken their toll on Maradona's health. He was admitted to hospital three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues due to his addictions.

<h2>- 'Ciao Diego' -</h2>

Maradona grew up in poverty, but his extraordinary talent was clear from a young age at Argentinos Juniors and Boca.

He moved to Barcelona but was singled out for rough treatment by opposing defenders and soon fell out of love with the Spanish club.

It was in Naples where Maradona would enchant an entire city by leading the then unfashionable Napoli to their only two Italian league titles in 1987 and 1990, befriending a mafia family along the way.

"Always in our hearts. Ciao Diego," Napoli tweeted, while the club's president and Naples' mayor both called for Napoli's Stadio San Paolo to be renamed after Maradona.

In recent years, Maradona, reduced to hobbling by the ravages of his career and lifestyle, had coached in the UAE, Mexico and Argentina without ever hitting the heights of his playing days.

Maradona married his long-time&nbsp;girlfriend Claudia&nbsp;Villafane in 1984. They had two&nbsp;daughters, Dalma&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gianinna,&nbsp;but the relationship was punctuated by Maradona's extra-marital affairs and they divorced in 2004.

He also had a son, Diego Junior, born in Naples in 1986, although he only acknowledged paternity in 2004.

In 2000, FIFA ran an online Player of the Century poll.&nbsp;Maradona gained 54 percent of the vote and Pele was second with 18 percent.&nbsp;FIFA declared&nbsp;them&nbsp;joint winners.

Fans worldwide paid tribute and Argentina was in mourning on Thursday after Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, died aged 60 after years of drug and alcohol problems.

Fans worldwide paid tribute and Argentina was in mourning on Thursday after Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, died aged 60 after years of drug and alcohol problems. Thousands of mourners, many in tears, and many wearing the World Cup winner's number 10 Argentina jersey, gathered in streets and at stadiums around Buenos Aires in a spontaneous celebration of the player and manager's riotous life. Tributes poured in from around the world as supporters, players and government leaders from South America to Europe and Asia marked the passing of an undisputed maestro. The outrageously skilful Maradona, widely remembered for his "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, died of a heart attack while recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain, a member of his entourage told AFP. Family members were summoned to Maradona's home north of Buenos Aires before his death was announced, triggering a wave of grief across the country and worldwide. Lionel Messi, Argentina's modern-day superstar, led the tributes as he said: "He has left us but he will never leave us because Diego is eternal." Brazilian legend Pele, 80, constantly compared with Maradona in the debate over football's greatest player, said he hoped they would one day "play together in the sky". Hundreds of people were already queueing outside the presidential palace in Buenos Aires when Maradona's coffin arrived late on Wednesday to lie in state during a three-day period of national mourning. Despite major coronavirus problems in Argentina, with more than 1.3 million cases, fans gathered at landmarks including Buenos Aires' Obelisk monument and Argentinos Juniors' Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, where he started his career. Elsewhere, underlining Maradona's global appeal, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among those to offer tributes, and one fan held back tears as he spoke to AFP in Beijing. - 'Hand of God' - Maradona, born in Lanus, just south of Buenos Aires, on October 30, 1960, also played for Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli in a career marked by wild highs and lows. In probably his most famous moment, he leapt and used his fist to score past England's Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, memorably describing the goal as "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God". Minutes later he weaved through six English defenders from the halfway line to score an unforgettable solo second which was later honoured as FIFA's "Goal of the century". The two contrasting goals perfectly encapsulated the mixture of brilliant skill and often outlandish behaviour that ran through Maradona's life. Maradona's career was crowned by his performances at that World Cup, when he captained Argentina to glory. After dismissing England he scored twice in the semi-final against Belgium, slaloming past four defenders for his second, and set up the 86th-minute winner in the final against West Germany. It was to prove the highlight for Maradona, who inspired Argentina to the 1990 final only for West Germany to take their revenge. In 1994 -- after an infamous, eye-bulging goal celebration against Greece -- he failed a drugs test and was sent home in disgrace. Gary Lineker, who was in the beaten England team in 1986, said Maradona was "arguably the greatest of all time", adding: "After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he'll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego." Excesses with drugs and alcohol had long taken their toll on Maradona's health. He was admitted to hospital three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues due to his addictions. - 'Ciao Diego' - Maradona grew up in poverty, but his extraordinary talent was clear from a young age at Argentinos Juniors and Boca. He moved to Barcelona but was singled out for rough treatment by opposing defenders and soon fell out of love with the Spanish club. It was in Naples where Maradona would enchant an entire city by leading the then unfashionable Napoli to their only two Italian league titles in 1987 and 1990, befriending a mafia family along the way. "Always in our hearts. Ciao Diego," Napoli tweeted, while the club's president and Naples' mayor both called for Napoli's Stadio San Paolo to be renamed after Maradona. In recent years, Maradona, reduced to hobbling by the ravages of his career and lifestyle, had coached in the UAE, Mexico and Argentina without ever hitting the heights of his playing days. Maradona married his long-time girlfriend Claudia Villafane in 1984. They had two daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, but the relationship was punctuated by Maradona's extra-marital affairs and they divorced in 2004. He also had a son, Diego Junior, born in Naples in 1986, although he only acknowledged paternity in 2004. In 2000, FIFA ran an online Player of the Century poll. Maradona gained 54 percent of the vote and Pele was second with 18 percent. FIFA declared them joint winners.

'Eternal' Maradona's death plunges Argentina, football into mourning

World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona

The news of Diego Maradona's death left the world in a state of shock on Wednesday night. The iconic player died of a massive heart attack on Wednesday leaving millions of fans across the globe mourning his death.

The news of Diego Maradona's death left the world in a state of shock on Wednesday night. The iconic player died of a massive heart attack on Wednesday leaving millions of fans across the globe mourning his death. Indian actors like like Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal, Ranveer Singh, and many others took to social media to pay tribute to the legend. "Diego Maradona....you made football even more beautiful. You will be sorely missed and may you entertain and enthral heaven as you did this world. RIP....(Sic)" wrote SRK. Diego Maradona....you made football even more beautiful. You will be sorely missed and may you entertain and enthral heaven as you did this world. RIP.... pic.twitter.com/PlR2Laxfj2 — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 25, 2020 × "Rest in Peace Legend #diegomaradona #Legend(Sic)" wrote Mohanlal. Rest in Peace Legend #diegomaradona #Legend pic.twitter.com/o3Gk1mU3fa — Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) November 26, 2020 × "2020 has indeed been brutal - The 'Hand of God' has taken away Argentinian great Diego Maradona. The football community has been left poorer with his loss. May god give strength to his family and may his soul rest in peace. We will miss you," wrote Prosenjit Chatterjee. 2020 has indeed been brutal - The 'Hand of God' has taken away Argentinian great Diego Maradona. The football community has been left poorer with his loss. May god give strength to his family and may his soul rest in peace. We will miss you pic.twitter.com/2HoL3Chh8O — Prosenjit Chatterjee (@prosenjitbumba) November 25, 2020 × Check out reactions of some other stars here. #RIPMaradona legend! #GOAT — Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) November 25, 2020 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arjun Kapoor (@arjunkapoor) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by KK (@therealkarismakapoor) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by ANGAD BEDI (@angadbedi) × Farewell legend. 💔#DiegoMaradona RIP! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fVbZ34jmbw — Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) November 25, 2020 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parambrata Chattopadhyay (@parambratachattopadhyay) × The legendary footballer had been discharged from hospital on November 11 after undergoing a brain surgery. The iconic footballer was to continue treatment for his alcohol dependency and was expected to stay close to where his daughters stay. Maradona died on Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack. Also read: Confused fans pay tribute to Madonna as legendary footballer Diego Maradona dies

RIP Maradona: Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal, Ranveer Singh and others mourn the death of football legend

Internet manages to surprise you on a daily basis. Argentinian football legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">Diego Maradona died</a> on Wednesday night after suffering from a heart attack. The footballer's death left the entire world in mourning.&nbsp; 
 
As fans all over the world poured rich tributes for Maradona, the legend's name started trending. But along with Maradona, Queen Of Pop Madonna too started trending on Twitter thanks to some confused and ignorant fans.&nbsp; 
 
Several fans mistook Maradona's name as Madonna and went ahead to pay rich tributes to the singer. Considering twitter was flooded with tribute messages for both the legends, the rumour around Madonna's death spread far and wide on Twitter.&nbsp; 
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RIP Madonna, you'll be forever in our hearts. Legend. <a href="https://t.co/EnMrIUZhRs">pic.twitter.com/EnMrIUZhRs</a>
— little icah (@poemtoahoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/poemtoahoe/status/1331651997167185922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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You cant beat the Americans 
 
MFs mixed Maradona with Madonna <a href="https://t.co/yK9V7sbnge">pic.twitter.com/yK9V7sbnge</a>
— Koma 🇱🇧 (@AFC_Koma) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFC_Koma/status/1331645502740451330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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🚨MADONNA DID NOT DIE, the former Argentine footballer Diego Armando <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maradona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maradona</a> died, he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest from which he could not be resuscitated despite the medical attention received, reported his agent Matías Morla. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KPM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KPM</a> 🐆 <a href="https://t.co/auAhwLVlpl">pic.twitter.com/auAhwLVlpl</a>
— Katy Perry Media (@katyperrytoday_) <a href="https://twitter.com/katyperrytoday_/status/1331642777713700871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RIP Madonna ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/mJrZxLWmfM">pic.twitter.com/mJrZxLWmfM</a>
— Lorcan (@Lorcan1888) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lorcan1888/status/1331644488092102656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RIP Madonna, a true icon. Like a prayer will forever be a favourite.
— Harry (@HSax98) <a href="https://twitter.com/HSax98/status/1331635443629166595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Eventually a lot of the people realised the goof up that had happened and made jokes around it.&nbsp;

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madonna logging into twitter to find out she has died <a href="https://t.co/MDllPh4oHm">pic.twitter.com/MDllPh4oHm</a>
— john (@johnmceneaney) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnmceneaney/status/1331700193302106112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Madonna opening twitter this morning <a href="https://t.co/0ADgCUfCFx">pic.twitter.com/0ADgCUfCFx</a>
— hava nagila (#GangBang Remix) (@shantytyrelle) <a href="https://twitter.com/shantytyrelle/status/1331691552167645187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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[🚨⚠️] BREAKING: At the age of 62 , American singer and "Queen of pop" Madonna has been found alive in her house enjoying life <a href="https://t.co/GB64bJ2zmj">pic.twitter.com/GB64bJ2zmj</a>
— Billion 🇧🇼 🦍 (@BillionMcfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillionMcfc/status/1331646598326181889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Maradona on the left has passed away, Madonna on the right still alive. clear? <a href="https://t.co/Wc9a176g4V">pic.twitter.com/Wc9a176g4V</a>
— Dr FarUK Ay (@ladyNurban) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladyNurban/status/1331737626655809540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The legendary footballer had been discharged from hospital on November 11 after undergoing a brain surgery. The iconic footballer was to continue treatment for his alcohol dependency and was expected to stay close to where his daughters stay. Maradona died on Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-day-well-kick-a-ball-together-pele-pays-his-tribute-to-maradona-345384" hreflang="en">'One day we'll kick a ball together': Pele pays his tribute to Maradona</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rip-maradona-relive-the-iconic-hand-of-god-moment-from-1986-world-cup-watch-video-345382" hreflang="en">RIP Maradona: Relive the iconic 'Hand of God' moment from 1986 World Cup - watch video</a> 
 
&nbsp;

Internet manages to surprise you on a daily basis. Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona died on Wednesday night after suffering from a heart attack. The footballer's death left the entire world in mourning.

Internet manages to surprise you on a daily basis. Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona died on Wednesday night after suffering from a heart attack. The footballer's death left the entire world in mourning. As fans all over the world poured rich tributes for Maradona, the legend's name started trending. But along with Maradona, Queen Of Pop Madonna too started trending on Twitter thanks to some confused and ignorant fans. Several fans mistook Maradona's name as Madonna and went ahead to pay rich tributes to the singer. Considering twitter was flooded with tribute messages for both the legends, the rumour around Madonna's death spread far and wide on Twitter. RIP Madonna, you'll be forever in our hearts. Legend. pic.twitter.com/EnMrIUZhRs — little icah (@poemtoahoe) November 25, 2020 × You cant beat the Americans MFs mixed Maradona with Madonna pic.twitter.com/yK9V7sbnge — Koma 🇱🇧 (@AFC_Koma) November 25, 2020 × 🚨MADONNA DID NOT DIE, the former Argentine footballer Diego Armando #Maradona died, he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest from which he could not be resuscitated despite the medical attention received, reported his agent Matías Morla. #KPM 🐆 pic.twitter.com/auAhwLVlpl — Katy Perry Media (@katyperrytoday_) November 25, 2020 × RIP Madonna ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mJrZxLWmfM — Lorcan (@Lorcan1888) November 25, 2020 × RIP Madonna, a true icon. Like a prayer will forever be a favourite. — Harry (@HSax98) November 25, 2020 × Eventually a lot of the people realised the goof up that had happened and made jokes around it. madonna logging into twitter to find out she has died pic.twitter.com/MDllPh4oHm — john (@johnmceneaney) November 25, 2020 × Madonna opening twitter this morning pic.twitter.com/0ADgCUfCFx — hava nagila (#GangBang Remix) (@shantytyrelle) November 25, 2020 × [🚨⚠️] BREAKING: At the age of 62 , American singer and "Queen of pop" Madonna has been found alive in her house enjoying life pic.twitter.com/GB64bJ2zmj — Billion 🇧🇼 🦍 (@BillionMcfc) November 25, 2020 × Maradona on the left has passed away, Madonna on the right still alive. clear? pic.twitter.com/Wc9a176g4V — Dr FarUK Ay (@ladyNurban) November 25, 2020 × The legendary footballer had been discharged from hospital on November 11 after undergoing a brain surgery. The iconic footballer was to continue treatment for his alcohol dependency and was expected to stay close to where his daughters stay. Maradona died on Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack. Also read: 'One day we'll kick a ball together': Pele pays his tribute to Maradona RIP Maradona: Relive the iconic 'Hand of God' moment from 1986 World Cup - watch video

Confused fans pay tribute to Madonna as legendary footballer Diego Maradona dies

Diego Maradona’s demise left a massive void in the world of football. Regarded as one of the greatest to have taken the football pitch, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">Maradona, aged 60, breathed his last on Wednesday</a> after suffering a cardiac arrest. Tributes started to pour in as soon as the entire world was left stunned following the death of Maradona.

The former member of Barcelona and current head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC, Carles Cuadrat, in an exclusive interaction with WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, paid rich tributes to Diego Armando Maradona as he recalled the Argentine maestro’s two-season with Barcelona – from 1982 to 1984.

“I fondly remember Maradona’s two-season at Barcelona. I was a ball-boy back then and it was a privilege to watch him weave his magic on the field. He used to help everyone with insights on match situations and provided confidence to others to execute their skills on the pitch. He came from a very humble background and realized the difficulties he faced during his younger days, so he never backed out from helping anyone,” Cuadrat told WION on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-maradona-the-most-human-of-immortals-345619" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona, the Most Human of Immortals</a>

Cuadrat, who is currently in Goa for ISL 2020-21, recalled how Maradona used to help his teammates and was an outspoken voice in the dressing room – for the benefit of the club – while adding that he will remember Maradona as a guy who used to spread happiness from his football.

“I will forever remember some of our chit-chats after matches. He used to give great insights to us, the younger players, and I have heard of many incidents where he has helped players from the dressing room. Sometimes he was against the management, sometimes the rules but he never feared anyone or to say anything which he felt was right,” the Bengaluru FC coach, who was once part of the famed La Masia academy.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

“I will remember him as a little guy, who used to weave magic, pure magic, every weekend and the fans were crazy for him. There will be no one like Maradona,” Cuadrat said.

Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

Diego Maradona’s demise left a massive void in the world of football. Regarded as one of the greatest to have taken the football pitch, Maradona, aged 60, breathed his last on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Diego Maradona’s demise left a massive void in the world of football. Regarded as one of the greatest to have taken the football pitch, Maradona, aged 60, breathed his last on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Tributes started to pour in as soon as the entire world was left stunned following the death of Maradona. The former member of Barcelona and current head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC, Carles Cuadrat, in an exclusive interaction with WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, paid rich tributes to Diego Armando Maradona as he recalled the Argentine maestro’s two-season with Barcelona – from 1982 to 1984. “I fondly remember Maradona’s two-season at Barcelona. I was a ball-boy back then and it was a privilege to watch him weave his magic on the field. He used to help everyone with insights on match situations and provided confidence to others to execute their skills on the pitch. He came from a very humble background and realized the difficulties he faced during his younger days, so he never backed out from helping anyone,” Cuadrat told WION on Thursday. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona, the Most Human of Immortals Cuadrat, who is currently in Goa for ISL 2020-21, recalled how Maradona used to help his teammates and was an outspoken voice in the dressing room – for the benefit of the club – while adding that he will remember Maradona as a guy who used to spread happiness from his football. “I will forever remember some of our chit-chats after matches. He used to give great insights to us, the younger players, and I have heard of many incidents where he has helped players from the dressing room. Sometimes he was against the management, sometimes the rules but he never feared anyone or to say anything which he felt was right,” the Bengaluru FC coach, who was once part of the famed La Masia academy. IN PICS | Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend “I will remember him as a little guy, who used to weave magic, pure magic, every weekend and the fans were crazy for him. There will be no one like Maradona,” Cuadrat said. Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state on Wednesday.

There will be no one like Diego Maradona: Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat to WION

Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend

On a wall in a Rio favela, graffiti artist Angelo Campos memorialized Argentine football great Diego Maradona who died Wednesday. Despite the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina in the soccer fields, Brazilians know how to appreciate and honor a genius football player.

Rio graffiti artist memorialises Maradona

People laid flowers and lit candles below the mural of Diego Maradona outside the stadium here that bears his name. A man cried inconsolably.

At the Obelisk in central Buenos Aires, another man waved a banner depicting Maradona that read, “God Is Argentine.”

There was a sense of incredulity in Argentina on Wednesday as word spread that the soccer star had died that morning at his home in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires. The government decreed three days of mourning.

Often called one of the game’s best players, Maradona was revered by his fellow Argentines — not just for his prowess on the field but also for his rise from poverty to global stardom. He stayed a national hero even as his personal life, which included long spates of drug and alcohol abuse, made him tabloid fodder around the world.

As people gathered across the country to honor the man often simply referred to “El Diego,” some chose the Buenos Aires stadium where he got his start in 1976, as a young player in the Argentinos Juniors club, and which was later renamed for him.

“The first time I saw him I couldn’t believe it,” said Hugo Daniel Santiuste, 66, who said he saw Maradona’s second-ever match at the stadium. “I had never seen anything like it.”

But even Argentines born too late to see him play in person were mourning.

“I feel like a member of my family just died,” said Joaquín López Castan, 19. “My entire life I wanted to play soccer like Maradona.”

Maradona underwent brain surgery earlier this month, and he had had numerous medical problems in the past. But his death, which a spokesman said was from a heart attack, still came as a shock to many.

“He was Maradona; he always managed to pull through,” said João Dejtiar, 19.

Several places around Buenos Aires became outdoor mourning spaces for fans, including the morgue where officials brought his body; his humble onetime home in Villa Fiorito, the impoverished area where he grew up; and La Bombonera stadium, where he once played as a member of the Boca Juniors club.

Hundreds also gathered in downtown Buenos Aires as the government planned what was expected to be a massive wake at the presidential palace Thursday.

At 10 p.m., people applauded from their balconies in honor of Maradona, who wore the traditional No. 10 jersey of a playmaker.

As Wednesday turned into Thursday, people seemed in no hurry to get home. Hundreds chanted and sang songs for Maradona outside the presidential palace as some started to line up for the wake.

“Of course, Maradona was the greatest soccer player this country has ever seen, but that doesn’t tell the full story. There is something that makes him much more than that,” said Alejandro Wall, a sports journalist. “Diego is the great narrator of Argentina."

Maradona is invariably remembered for leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup. In the infamous quarterfinal against England, he scored one of the most beautiful goals in the game’s history, as well as an illegal hand goal. (“It was scored a little bit with the head of Diego and a little with the hand of God,” he later said of that goal.)

The English were furious, but in Argentina — still suffering the humiliation of its 1982 defeat by Britain in the short war over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina calls Malvinas and claims as its own — Maradona was lauded.

“A narrative is created that the goal wasn’t illegal because in reality it was God doing justice after the defeat in the 1982 war,” said Lívia Gonçalves Magalhães, a historian at Federal Fluminense University in Brazil who studies the intersection of soccer and politics in South America.

“It was the happiest moment of my life,” said Juan José Azcurra, 67, his tears giving way to a smile as he recalled the goal. “I will never forget it.”

That World Cup was doubly sweet because “no one had faith in the team and in the end everything they did was marvelous,” said Veronica Moreira, an anthropologist who studies sport at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, an Argentine government agency.

Argentina’s victory in the final against West Germany cemented Maradona’s position as the leader who took the underdog team to victory.

Beating the odds was a constant theme in Maradona’s life story. His rise from poverty was one reason that many Argentines continued to identify with him even as he became a world celebrity.

“He never stopped being part of the people,” said Gastón Tescusinsky, 44, who has a tattoo of Maradona on his arm. “He was always the kid from Fiorito.”

Maradona wore his leftist politics on his sleeve, and Magalhães noted that he would publicly criticize the leaders of FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, “without worrying about repercussions.”

“Maradona was a contradictory character who garnered a lot of empathy,” said Rodrigo Daskal, a professor who is a researcher at the Sports Study Center at San Martín National University. “Maradona was always authentic and never tried to dress up any part of his life.”

Maradona’s candor about his struggles with alcohol and drugs was appreciated by many of his fans, especially those who had experience with addiction.

“My old man had problems with drugs, who am I to judge Maradona?” said Pablo Neyret, 42, whose eyes welled up with tears.

Songs were written in Maradona’s honor, and some of his phrases entered Argentines’ everyday lexicon. One was “they cut off my legs,” which he said after being kicked out the 1994 World Cup for doping.

Victoria Fassa, 43, called Maradona “a rebel who was passionate above all else and said what he thought without caring about the consequences.”

She added, “He was 100% Argentine.”

People laid flowers and lit candles below the mural of Diego Maradona outside the stadium here that bears his name. A man cried inconsolably. At the Obelisk in central Buenos Aires, another man waved a banner depicting Maradona that read, “God Is Argentine.

People laid flowers and lit candles below the mural of Diego Maradona outside the stadium here that bears his name. A man cried inconsolably. At the Obelisk in central Buenos Aires, another man waved a banner depicting Maradona that read, “God Is Argentine.” There was a sense of incredulity in Argentina on Wednesday as word spread that the soccer star had died that morning at his home in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires. The government decreed three days of mourning. Often called one of the game’s best players, Maradona was revered by his fellow Argentines — not just for his prowess on the field but also for his rise from poverty to global stardom. He stayed a national hero even as his personal life, which included long spates of drug and alcohol abuse, made him tabloid fodder around the world. As people gathered across the country to honor the man often simply referred to “El Diego,” some chose the Buenos Aires stadium where he got his start in 1976, as a young player in the Argentinos Juniors club, and which was later renamed for him. “The first time I saw him I couldn’t believe it,” said Hugo Daniel Santiuste, 66, who said he saw Maradona’s second-ever match at the stadium. “I had never seen anything like it.” But even Argentines born too late to see him play in person were mourning. “I feel like a member of my family just died,” said Joaquín López Castan, 19. “My entire life I wanted to play soccer like Maradona.” Maradona underwent brain surgery earlier this month, and he had had numerous medical problems in the past. But his death, which a spokesman said was from a heart attack, still came as a shock to many. “He was Maradona; he always managed to pull through,” said João Dejtiar, 19. Several places around Buenos Aires became outdoor mourning spaces for fans, including the morgue where officials brought his body; his humble onetime home in Villa Fiorito, the impoverished area where he grew up; and La Bombonera stadium, where he once played as a member of the Boca Juniors club. Hundreds also gathered in downtown Buenos Aires as the government planned what was expected to be a massive wake at the presidential palace Thursday. At 10 p.m., people applauded from their balconies in honor of Maradona, who wore the traditional No. 10 jersey of a playmaker. As Wednesday turned into Thursday, people seemed in no hurry to get home. Hundreds chanted and sang songs for Maradona outside the presidential palace as some started to line up for the wake. “Of course, Maradona was the greatest soccer player this country has ever seen, but that doesn’t tell the full story. There is something that makes him much more than that,” said Alejandro Wall, a sports journalist. “Diego is the great narrator of Argentina." Maradona is invariably remembered for leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup. In the infamous quarterfinal against England, he scored one of the most beautiful goals in the game’s history, as well as an illegal hand goal. (“It was scored a little bit with the head of Diego and a little with the hand of God,” he later said of that goal.) The English were furious, but in Argentina — still suffering the humiliation of its 1982 defeat by Britain in the short war over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina calls Malvinas and claims as its own — Maradona was lauded. “A narrative is created that the goal wasn’t illegal because in reality it was God doing justice after the defeat in the 1982 war,” said Lívia Gonçalves Magalhães, a historian at Federal Fluminense University in Brazil who studies the intersection of soccer and politics in South America. “It was the happiest moment of my life,” said Juan José Azcurra, 67, his tears giving way to a smile as he recalled the goal. “I will never forget it.” That World Cup was doubly sweet because “no one had faith in the team and in the end everything they did was marvelous,” said Veronica Moreira, an anthropologist who studies sport at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, an Argentine government agency. Argentina’s victory in the final against West Germany cemented Maradona’s position as the leader who took the underdog team to victory. Beating the odds was a constant theme in Maradona’s life story. His rise from poverty was one reason that many Argentines continued to identify with him even as he became a world celebrity. “He never stopped being part of the people,” said Gastón Tescusinsky, 44, who has a tattoo of Maradona on his arm. “He was always the kid from Fiorito.” Maradona wore his leftist politics on his sleeve, and Magalhães noted that he would publicly criticize the leaders of FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, “without worrying about repercussions.” “Maradona was a contradictory character who garnered a lot of empathy,” said Rodrigo Daskal, a professor who is a researcher at the Sports Study Center at San Martín National University. “Maradona was always authentic and never tried to dress up any part of his life.” Maradona’s candor about his struggles with alcohol and drugs was appreciated by many of his fans, especially those who had experience with addiction. “My old man had problems with drugs, who am I to judge Maradona?” said Pablo Neyret, 42, whose eyes welled up with tears. Songs were written in Maradona’s honor, and some of his phrases entered Argentines’ everyday lexicon. One was “they cut off my legs,” which he said after being kicked out the 1994 World Cup for doping. Victoria Fassa, 43, called Maradona “a rebel who was passionate above all else and said what he thought without caring about the consequences.” She added, “He was 100% Argentine.”

In Argentina, Maradona’s Death Sets Off a Vivid Display of Public Grief

The day that Diego Maradona said goodbye, as his voice cracked and the place that had always been home heaved and sobbed, his mind drifted to the mistakes that he had made, the price that he had paid.

In his valedictory moment, he did not seek absolution. All he asked, instead, was that the sport that he had loved and that had adored him in return, the one that he had mastered, the one he had illuminated, the one he lifted into an art, was not tarnished by all that he had done.

The last line of his speech that day — the final time he graced La Bombonera, home of Boca Juniors, the club that held him closest to its heart — became an Argentine aphorism: “La pelota no se mancha,” he told the adoring crowd. The ball does not show the dirt.

It is certainly possible that Diego Armando Maradona, who died Wednesday at age 60, was the finest soccer player ever to draw breath, though that is a subject of hot and unyielding debate. Less contentious is the idea that no other player has ever inspired such fierce devotion.

There is something approaching a cult in his name in Naples, the overlooked and demeaned port city that he transformed into the center of the soccer universe for a few, glorious years at the peak of his career. The city’s mayor on Wednesday suggested the stadium that houses his former club, Napoli, should be renamed for him. That privilege currently falls to St. Paul.

In Argentina, Maradona’s homeland — which declared three days of national mourning once his death was announced — there has long been a church in his honor. For many, Maradona was a quasi-religious experience.

He was no straightforward icon. He struggled with drug addiction for decades. He was thrown out of a World Cup in disgrace after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Health troubles plagued him, testament to a life of excess. He did not acknowledge his son, Diego, for years. In his later life, he became estranged from his ex-wife, Claudia Villafañe, and from his two daughters, Giannina and Dalma. There were allegations of domestic abuse toward one former girlfriend. There were guns and associations with organized crime.

Maradona never shied away from acknowledging that he had made mistakes, even as he failed to stop making them. The tendency — understandable, sincere, unavoidable — as soccer reeled from the news of his death, as the eulogies flowed from Lionel Messi (“eternal”) and from Cristiano Ronaldo “a genius”) and from Pelé (“a legend”), was to avoid his flaws and his weaknesses, to strike his demons from memory out of respect, out of affection.

And yet without mention of those troubles, Maradona’s story is not cleansed. It is contorted. Those struggles did not improve him as a player. Instead, they would prevent him from achieving all that he might have done and, eventually, shorten his career.

But if the flaws diminished what Maradona was, they burnished what he represented to those who watched him, those who adored him. That such beauty could emerge from such tumult made him mean something more; it gave him a resonance that stretched beyond even his outsize ability. His darkness sharpened the contours of his light.

Thirty-two years before Maradona was born, the great Argentine writer Borocotó — editor of El Gráfico, the prestigious, trailblazing sports magazine — suggested the country should erect a statue to the so-called&nbsp;pibe: the dusty-faced street kid with the “trickster eyes,” “a mane of hair rebelling against the comb” and the “sparkling gaze” who represented not only Argentina’s soccer culture, but also its self-image as a nation.

Maradona was the platonic ideal of a&nbsp;pibe, all virtuoso skill and impetuous cunning. He captured the spirit Borocotó made immortal more than any player — more than anyone could have thought possible — not just when he was a teenager, fresh from the&nbsp;potrero, but throughout his career.

All of those iconic images of Maradona are monuments to the spirit of the&nbsp;pibe: leaping high above Peter Shilton, the England goalkeeper, the goal that he would joke — with the “Picaresque laugh” that met Borocotó’s description — was scored by the Hand of God; dancing, a couple of minutes later, through the entire England team to score “the goal of the century,” the strike that would prompt the commentator Victor Hugo Morales to declare him a “comet from the sky”; facing up to the entire Belgian team, the ball at his feet, a picture of fear on the opponents’ faces.

No matter how high he flew, Maradona never strayed from his roots; he was a&nbsp;pibe&nbsp;when he first emerged, he was a&nbsp;pibe&nbsp;when he almost single-handedly dragged Argentina to the World Cup in 1986, and back to the final four years later. He was a&nbsp;pibe&nbsp;when Barcelona made him the most expensive player on the planet and when he took Napoli to not one, but two Serie A titles. He was a&nbsp;pibe&nbsp;even as he conquered the world.

That was his glory, and it was also his downfall. How, after all, could a boy who had never grown up expect to cope with the world he found himself in, with the expectation and the demands, with the idolization and the temptation? The light shone so brightly that the darkness in its wake could only grow.

Maradona himself never made excuses for his missteps, though that is not the same as atoning for them. As he told the filmmaker Emir Kusturica in 2008, he held himself responsible for all that he had done, good and bad. But he knew, too, that at some point a line had to be drawn between Maradona the person and Maradona the player.

His legacy as the former is a complex one: a brilliant, troubled individual, one who suffered pain but inflicted it, too, a boy and then a man who crumbled and cracked under the pressure of a situation he did not have the tools to survive.

But his meaning as the latter is more straightforward. Maradona encapsulated an ideal, he infatuated a nation, he turned a mere game into an art form. The&nbsp;pibe&nbsp;is a quintessentially Argentine complex but it is one that generates global understanding: the impish, improvised brilliance of the innocent.

Maradona himself always saw soccer as his salvation, his deliverance. In 2005, in a brief phase as a television personality, he was asked what he might like to offer up as an epitaph. “Thanks to soccer,” he said. “It is the sport that gives me the greatest joy, the greatest freedom. It is like touching the sky with your hands. Thanks to the ball.”

His flaws and his demons will not be forgotten, not even with time. His memory will always be a complex one. But no matter how deep the darkness, it should not be allowed to obscure the light that he brought. “La pelota no se mancha.” The ball does not show the dirt.

The day that Diego Maradona said goodbye, as his voice cracked and the place that had always been home heaved and sobbed, his mind drifted to the mistakes that he had made, the price that he had paid.

The day that Diego Maradona said goodbye, as his voice cracked and the place that had always been home heaved and sobbed, his mind drifted to the mistakes that he had made, the price that he had paid. In his valedictory moment, he did not seek absolution. All he asked, instead, was that the sport that he had loved and that had adored him in return, the one that he had mastered, the one he had illuminated, the one he lifted into an art, was not tarnished by all that he had done. The last line of his speech that day — the final time he graced La Bombonera, home of Boca Juniors, the club that held him closest to its heart — became an Argentine aphorism: “La pelota no se mancha,” he told the adoring crowd. The ball does not show the dirt. It is certainly possible that Diego Armando Maradona, who died Wednesday at age 60, was the finest soccer player ever to draw breath, though that is a subject of hot and unyielding debate. Less contentious is the idea that no other player has ever inspired such fierce devotion. There is something approaching a cult in his name in Naples, the overlooked and demeaned port city that he transformed into the center of the soccer universe for a few, glorious years at the peak of his career. The city’s mayor on Wednesday suggested the stadium that houses his former club, Napoli, should be renamed for him. That privilege currently falls to St. Paul. In Argentina, Maradona’s homeland — which declared three days of national mourning once his death was announced — there has long been a church in his honor. For many, Maradona was a quasi-religious experience. He was no straightforward icon. He struggled with drug addiction for decades. He was thrown out of a World Cup in disgrace after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Health troubles plagued him, testament to a life of excess. He did not acknowledge his son, Diego, for years. In his later life, he became estranged from his ex-wife, Claudia Villafañe, and from his two daughters, Giannina and Dalma. There were allegations of domestic abuse toward one former girlfriend. There were guns and associations with organized crime. Maradona never shied away from acknowledging that he had made mistakes, even as he failed to stop making them. The tendency — understandable, sincere, unavoidable — as soccer reeled from the news of his death, as the eulogies flowed from Lionel Messi (“eternal”) and from Cristiano Ronaldo “a genius”) and from Pelé (“a legend”), was to avoid his flaws and his weaknesses, to strike his demons from memory out of respect, out of affection. And yet without mention of those troubles, Maradona’s story is not cleansed. It is contorted. Those struggles did not improve him as a player. Instead, they would prevent him from achieving all that he might have done and, eventually, shorten his career. But if the flaws diminished what Maradona was, they burnished what he represented to those who watched him, those who adored him. That such beauty could emerge from such tumult made him mean something more; it gave him a resonance that stretched beyond even his outsize ability. His darkness sharpened the contours of his light. Thirty-two years before Maradona was born, the great Argentine writer Borocotó — editor of El Gráfico, the prestigious, trailblazing sports magazine — suggested the country should erect a statue to the so-called pibe: the dusty-faced street kid with the “trickster eyes,” “a mane of hair rebelling against the comb” and the “sparkling gaze” who represented not only Argentina’s soccer culture, but also its self-image as a nation. Maradona was the platonic ideal of a pibe, all virtuoso skill and impetuous cunning. He captured the spirit Borocotó made immortal more than any player — more than anyone could have thought possible — not just when he was a teenager, fresh from the potrero, but throughout his career. All of those iconic images of Maradona are monuments to the spirit of the pibe: leaping high above Peter Shilton, the England goalkeeper, the goal that he would joke — with the “Picaresque laugh” that met Borocotó’s description — was scored by the Hand of God; dancing, a couple of minutes later, through the entire England team to score “the goal of the century,” the strike that would prompt the commentator Victor Hugo Morales to declare him a “comet from the sky”; facing up to the entire Belgian team, the ball at his feet, a picture of fear on the opponents’ faces. No matter how high he flew, Maradona never strayed from his roots; he was a pibe when he first emerged, he was a pibe when he almost single-handedly dragged Argentina to the World Cup in 1986, and back to the final four years later. He was a pibe when Barcelona made him the most expensive player on the planet and when he took Napoli to not one, but two Serie A titles. He was a pibe even as he conquered the world. That was his glory, and it was also his downfall. How, after all, could a boy who had never grown up expect to cope with the world he found himself in, with the expectation and the demands, with the idolization and the temptation? The light shone so brightly that the darkness in its wake could only grow. Maradona himself never made excuses for his missteps, though that is not the same as atoning for them. As he told the filmmaker Emir Kusturica in 2008, he held himself responsible for all that he had done, good and bad. But he knew, too, that at some point a line had to be drawn between Maradona the person and Maradona the player. His legacy as the former is a complex one: a brilliant, troubled individual, one who suffered pain but inflicted it, too, a boy and then a man who crumbled and cracked under the pressure of a situation he did not have the tools to survive. But his meaning as the latter is more straightforward. Maradona encapsulated an ideal, he infatuated a nation, he turned a mere game into an art form. The pibe is a quintessentially Argentine complex but it is one that generates global understanding: the impish, improvised brilliance of the innocent. Maradona himself always saw soccer as his salvation, his deliverance. In 2005, in a brief phase as a television personality, he was asked what he might like to offer up as an epitaph. “Thanks to soccer,” he said. “It is the sport that gives me the greatest joy, the greatest freedom. It is like touching the sky with your hands. Thanks to the ball.” His flaws and his demons will not be forgotten, not even with time. His memory will always be a complex one. But no matter how deep the darkness, it should not be allowed to obscure the light that he brought. “La pelota no se mancha.” The ball does not show the dirt.

Diego Maradona, the Most Human of Immortals

one of the greatest footballer of all time Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires following a heart attack. He recovering from Brain surgery.

Football legend Diego Maradona dies at 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest

India, despite being the land of cricket, was shocked after Maradona's death. Fans left flowers and messages at the foot of the bronze statue, which stands on a road leading to Kolkata's airport.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-is-very-special-place-diego-maradonas-love-for-kolkata-345485">'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata</a>

"It's the time for tears. He will always be in our hearts," said a West Bengal state minister Sujit Bose, who was amongst those to pay tribute.

Members of Kolkata's Argentina Fan Club planned a vigil later in the day to recall his two visits to the city.&nbsp;

Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata has been known to all. The Argentine legend came to the Indian city couple of times to share his love for football with young ones. Diego first came to Kolkata in 2008 and then had come to the city in 2017 to play a charity match with Sourav Ganguly.&nbsp;

In 2008, Maradona received a grand reception in Kolkata. He famously called it "the second biggest reception after Napoli". The Argentine nearly 50,000 people waited outside the airport hoping to get a glimpse.'Cheerful' Maradona then made his way to the Mohun Bagan ground where he showed his skills by juggling the ball with his much-talked left foot.&nbsp;

In 2017, Maradona came to play a charity match with Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly. Even though Maradona did not play the charity match with Sourav Ganguly, the Argentine unveil a 12-foot statue of himself.&nbsp;

In 2017, Maradona, known for his outspokenness and arrogance, gave a humble speech in Kolkata. "Kolkata is a very special place and I have good memories from my trip there many years ago (2008), the fans were fantastic."&nbsp;

"I am not the god of football but a simple footballer," Maradona added.&nbsp;

India, despite being the land of cricket, was shocked after Maradona's death. Fans left flowers and messages at the foot of the bronze statue, which stands on a road leading to Kolkata's airport.

India, despite being the land of cricket, was shocked after Maradona's death. Fans left flowers and messages at the foot of the bronze statue, which stands on a road leading to Kolkata's airport. IN PICS| 'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata "It's the time for tears. He will always be in our hearts," said a West Bengal state minister Sujit Bose, who was amongst those to pay tribute. Members of Kolkata's Argentina Fan Club planned a vigil later in the day to recall his two visits to the city. Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata has been known to all. The Argentine legend came to the Indian city couple of times to share his love for football with young ones. Diego first came to Kolkata in 2008 and then had come to the city in 2017 to play a charity match with Sourav Ganguly. In 2008, Maradona received a grand reception in Kolkata. He famously called it "the second biggest reception after Napoli". The Argentine nearly 50,000 people waited outside the airport hoping to get a glimpse.'Cheerful' Maradona then made his way to the Mohun Bagan ground where he showed his skills by juggling the ball with his much-talked left foot. In 2017, Maradona came to play a charity match with Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly. Even though Maradona did not play the charity match with Sourav Ganguly, the Argentine unveil a 12-foot statue of himself. In 2017, Maradona, known for his outspokenness and arrogance, gave a humble speech in Kolkata. "Kolkata is a very special place and I have good memories from my trip there many years ago (2008), the fans were fantastic." "I am not the god of football but a simple footballer," Maradona added.

Diego Maradona and Kolkata: A love story for ages

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">Maradona, aged 60, passed away</a> on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state on Wednesday.

Maradona will be laid to rest in the Jardin de Paz cemetery, where his parents were also buried, Sebastian Sanchi told AFP.

On Thursday, hundreds of people began filing in to see the coffin of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires’ Casa Rosada after he passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60. People passed in front of the coffin that was draped with the Argentine flag and his number 10 jersey.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-maradona-five-of-his-greatest-goals-345386" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona - Five of his greatest goals</a>

Maradona's family and closest friends came at dawn before the start of the public wake. Tens of thousands of people spent the night in a vigil in the Plaza de Mayo, singing songs in tribute to Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986.

<img alt="Maradona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40393dc5-d79d-4ab1-a1cf-ec4b77246461" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8VX2XF.jpg" />

Scores of people, with scarves and Maradona’s shirt, gathered outside Napoli’s stadium and chanted “Diego, Diego, Diego!” &nbsp;Napoli's blue and white have been hung on the fence, transforming it into a makeshift shrine to the city's adopted "king"

“You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team posted alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ciao-diego-argentina-and-napoli-fans-mourn-maradonas-death-345538" hreflang="en">'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death</a>

The World Cup-winning Argentine maestro was recovering from brain surgery and died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Maradona was renowned for his majestic left-foot and impeccable control with the ball.&nbsp;

The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack, leaving behind rich legacy which only a few can match.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state on Wednesday. Maradona will be laid to rest in the Jardin de Paz cemetery, where his parents were also buried, Sebastian Sanchi told AFP. On Thursday, hundreds of people began filing in to see the coffin of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires’ Casa Rosada after he passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60. People passed in front of the coffin that was draped with the Argentine flag and his number 10 jersey. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona - Five of his greatest goals Maradona's family and closest friends came at dawn before the start of the public wake. Tens of thousands of people spent the night in a vigil in the Plaza de Mayo, singing songs in tribute to Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986. Scores of people, with scarves and Maradona’s shirt, gathered outside Napoli’s stadium and chanted “Diego, Diego, Diego!” Napoli's blue and white have been hung on the fence, transforming it into a makeshift shrine to the city's adopted "king" “You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team posted alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup. IN PICS | 'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death The World Cup-winning Argentine maestro was recovering from brain surgery and died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Maradona was renowned for his majestic left-foot and impeccable control with the ball. The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack, leaving behind rich legacy which only a few can match.

Diego Maradona to be buried in Jardin de Paz cemetery on Thursday

'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death

'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata

Former Tunisian football referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored his famous brace against England, lauded the Argentine as a “genius” after his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">demise at the age of 60 on Wednesday</a>.

Bin Nasser conceded that he doubted the validity of Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal but termed his second goal from the game as “masterpiece”.

In the 51st minute of the last-eight encounter in Mexico, Maradona outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his hand to slide the ball into the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411" hreflang="en">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

"I didn't see the hand, but I had a doubt," Bin Nasser, the first Tunisian to referee a World Cup quarter-final, told AFP.

"You can see the pictures -- I stepped back to take the advice of my assistant, Bulgarian (Bogdan) Dochev, and when he said it was good, I gave the goal."

The 76-year-old reckoned he was the go-to-man for FIFA in crunch matches while adding the football governing body rated him highly for his performance in the controversial match.&nbsp;

"I had already refereed a match between the USSR and China in 1985, I was the man of difficult missions for FIFA," Bin Nasser said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-maradonas-body-arrives-at-presidential-palace-for-period-of-lying-in-state-345475" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona's body arrives at presidential palace for period of lying in state</a>

"FIFA gave me a 9.4 on this game, I did what I had to do, but there was confusion -- Dochev later indicated that he had seen two arms, and he didn't know if it was Shilton's or Maradona's."

Argentina went on to defeat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup they would go on to win when Maradona put them two goals ahead with the latter strike voted ‘Goal of the Century’.

The then-Napoli megastar dribbled past six England players before rattling the empty net.&nbsp;

"I was ready to whistle for a dangerous foul on Maradona," remembered Bin Nasser of a goal which proved to be the winner after Gary Lineker pulled one back for England.

"I thought after 50 yards of effort they were going to bring him down.

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rip-maradona-relive-the-iconic-hand-of-god-moment-from-1986-world-cup-watch-video-345382" hreflang="en">RIP Maradona: Relive the iconic 'Hand of God' moment from 1986 World Cup - watch video</a>

"I was proud to participate in that masterpiece."

Maradona, 29 years later, visited Bin Nasser while shooting an advertisement in Tunisia and gave him a T-shirt bearing the words "To my eternal friend Ali".

"We had a good time, I told him that that day, it was not Argentina who won, but him, Maradona.

"He was a genius, a football legend. As a referee, I did not allow myself to close my eyes even for a second when following him, because he was capable of anything." 
&nbsp;

Former Tunisian football referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored his famous brace against England, lauded the Argentine as a “genius” after his demise at the age of 60 on Wednesday.

Former Tunisian football referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored his famous brace against England, lauded the Argentine as a “genius” after his demise at the age of 60 on Wednesday. Bin Nasser conceded that he doubted the validity of Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal but termed his second goal from the game as “masterpiece”. In the 51st minute of the last-eight encounter in Mexico, Maradona outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his hand to slide the ball into the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. IN PICS | World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona "I didn't see the hand, but I had a doubt," Bin Nasser, the first Tunisian to referee a World Cup quarter-final, told AFP. "You can see the pictures -- I stepped back to take the advice of my assistant, Bulgarian (Bogdan) Dochev, and when he said it was good, I gave the goal." The 76-year-old reckoned he was the go-to-man for FIFA in crunch matches while adding the football governing body rated him highly for his performance in the controversial match. "I had already refereed a match between the USSR and China in 1985, I was the man of difficult missions for FIFA," Bin Nasser said. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona's body arrives at presidential palace for period of lying in state "FIFA gave me a 9.4 on this game, I did what I had to do, but there was confusion -- Dochev later indicated that he had seen two arms, and he didn't know if it was Shilton's or Maradona's." Argentina went on to defeat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup they would go on to win when Maradona put them two goals ahead with the latter strike voted ‘Goal of the Century’. The then-Napoli megastar dribbled past six England players before rattling the empty net. "I was ready to whistle for a dangerous foul on Maradona," remembered Bin Nasser of a goal which proved to be the winner after Gary Lineker pulled one back for England. "I thought after 50 yards of effort they were going to bring him down. TRENDING | RIP Maradona: Relive the iconic 'Hand of God' moment from 1986 World Cup - watch video "I was proud to participate in that masterpiece." Maradona, 29 years later, visited Bin Nasser while shooting an advertisement in Tunisia and gave him a T-shirt bearing the words "To my eternal friend Ali". "We had a good time, I told him that that day, it was not Argentina who won, but him, Maradona. "He was a genius, a football legend. As a referee, I did not allow myself to close my eyes even for a second when following him, because he was capable of anything."

'Genius': Referee who missed 'Hand of God' lavishes praise on Diego Maradona

Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas has urged FIFA to retire the iconic number 10 shirt from the game to honour Argentine great Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-is-very-special-place-diego-maradonas-love-for-kolkata-345485" hreflang="en">'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata</a>

Maradona's death shocked the football world as he was regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Fans called Maradona 'El Dios' - which means 'The God', but is also a play on words on his number 10 shirt, 'El Diez.'

Maradona is regarded as a legend in Napoli for his glorious Serie A wins. The Italian club has not used the No. 10 jerseys since 2000 to mark respect for the player who guided them to several trophies and Villas-Boas said global soccer body FIFA should also pay tribute by withdrawing the number.

"Maradona, yes it is tough news, I would like FIFA to retire the number 10 shirt in all competitions, for all teams," Villas-Boas told reporters after Marseille's 2-0 Champions League defeat by Porto.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411" hreflang="en">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

"It would be the best homage we could do for him. He is an incredible loss for the world of football."&nbsp;

The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack.

Despite the chaos in his personal, Maradona's god-gifted skills with the ball made him being regarded as arguably the greatest of all-time.&nbsp;

Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas has urged FIFA to retire the iconic number 10 shirt from the game to honour Argentine great Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.

Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas has urged FIFA to retire the iconic number 10 shirt from the game to honour Argentine great Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. IN PICS| 'It is very special place': Diego Maradona's love for Kolkata Maradona's death shocked the football world as he was regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Fans called Maradona 'El Dios' - which means 'The God', but is also a play on words on his number 10 shirt, 'El Diez.' Maradona is regarded as a legend in Napoli for his glorious Serie A wins. The Italian club has not used the No. 10 jerseys since 2000 to mark respect for the player who guided them to several trophies and Villas-Boas said global soccer body FIFA should also pay tribute by withdrawing the number. "Maradona, yes it is tough news, I would like FIFA to retire the number 10 shirt in all competitions, for all teams," Villas-Boas told reporters after Marseille's 2-0 Champions League defeat by Porto. IN PICS| World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona "It would be the best homage we could do for him. He is an incredible loss for the world of football." The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack. Despite the chaos in his personal, Maradona's god-gifted skills with the ball made him being regarded as arguably the greatest of all-time.

'Best homage to Maradona': Villas-Boas urges FIFA to retire No. 10

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