Diego Maradona, the legendary footballer who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, died of a heart attack on Wednesday at his home near Buenos Aires. He was 60 years old at the time of his death.
Maradona, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, had already been struggling with health issues prior to his fatal heart attack. He had been released from hospital two weeks ago after surgery for a bleed on his brain.
According to reports, Maradona first began to show signs of an impending heart attack on Wednesday morning. He told his nephew that he felt ill before proceeding to return to bed. A few hours later, a nurse discovered that Maradona had become unconscious. He was already dead by the time paramedics arrived.
District attorney John Broyad ruled out any signs of foul play. He said, “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.”
Reactions from the Football World
Understandably, the football world was shaken to its core by the tragic news.
Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane said, “It’s a huge loss for the world in general and for football in particular. I remember what he did in the 1986 World Cup, when I was just 14. I feel sad for what happened today and have no more words.”
Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético Madrid, also commented on Maradona’s death after his team’s Champions League match against Lokomotiv Moscow. “He was and he is the best. He looked after me when we were at Sevilla,” Simeone said. Simeone and Maradona were teammates at La Liga club Sevilla from 1992 to 1993. The duo also represented Argentina together from 1988 to 1994.
Lionel Messi, the Barcelona superstar believed to be the only player to ever be Maradona’s equal by some, left a tribute of his own on Instagram. Messi wrote: “He has left us, but he hasn’t gone because Diego is eternal. I remember all the nice moments we experienced together and I send my condolences to all his family and his friends. RIP.”
From 2008 to 2010, Maradona had coached Messi on Argentina’s national team.
Reactions in Argentina
Many people also thronged the streets of Buenos Aires and nearby cities and towns to pay their tributes to Maradona. Some fans placed bouquets near the stadium of Maradona’s former club Boca Juniors.
Electronic signs across Buenos Aires which would usually have been used for public transportation updates were also modified to display messages honouring Maradona.
Maradona played for six clubs during his unparalleled 21-year career. His greatest achievements came for his country during the 1986 and 1990 World Cups as well as his stint at Italian club Napoli from 1984 to 1991.
by Weijun
26th November 2020 09:53
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