The football world is in mourning following the passing of Argentinian legend Diego Maradona.
The 60-year-old passed away after suffering a heart attack in the early hours of Thursday (Australian time), and tributes quickly poured in for a man who was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game, if not the greatest.
Pele, who is considered by so many to be Maradona’s main rival to the title of greatest of all time, took to Twitter after the news.
“Sad news to lose a friend like that. May God give enough strength to his family. For sure, one day we will kick a ball together in heaven.”
Meanwhile in Naples, where Maradona guided Napoli to their only two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, fans took to the streets to pay their respects to their idol, and mayor Luigi De Magistris has proposed renaming the club’s stadium after the Argentinian maestro.
“Maradona is Napoli. The passion for him here is known to everyone,” De Magistris said. “Maradona united Neapolitans all over the world – as well as fans of other squads.
“Today all Neapolitans embrace his family, with the awareness that this embrace will never end, because it was real love. A great love.”
Argentina’s president has declared three days of national mourning for Maradona.
Lionel Messi, dubbed as Maradona’s heir on the football pitch, said, “A very sad day for all Argentinians and for football. He leaves us, but he is not gone because Diego is eternal. I stay with all the beautiful moments I lived with him and I wanted to send my condolences to his family and friends.”
Cristiano Ronaldo also paid tribute, saying “Today I bid farewell to a friend and the world farewells to an eternal genius. One of the best ever, an unmatched magician. Leaves too soon but leaves a boundless legacy and a void that will never be filled. RIP. You will never be forgotten.”
With AAP
Joshua Kerr
Roar Guru
Many people just read, comments aren't always the best indicator. Plenty of talk about Maradona on the rugby pages with the Pumas in the Tri-Nations.
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
SO this guy was one of the greatest soccer players, but only 8 people commented. Just shows how little the so called followers of the world game in Australia know about him.
Josh
Roar Rookie
in 2015, I was at the rugby wc. saw tonga vs argentina at Leicester fc home ground. during the 2nd half, you hear a massive roar. on the big screen maradona had come out of the corporate box, the scarves were out, the crowd was going beserk, tongan and argentian fans. after the game pictures emerged of him in the dressing rooms. so long after retirement but still loved and still a massive star.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
My first World Cup properly followed was 1986. Maradona was astonishingly great and put the team on his back ( and arm ! ) to lead them to glory. One of the all time greats on the field, a controversial and troubled soul off it. RIP Maradona
pete4
Guest
Futbol legend #RIP
ROB
Guest
A talented genius A cheat
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Maradona was truly the best player ever, a genius on the field, raw talent that not even greats like Pele or present day Ronaldo, Messi or Neymar could or can do. He inspired so many, and deserves all the accolades and respect. Unfortunately he succumb to some bad habits, but no one ever showed him the 'right' way. RIP.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I guess his first words, when he meets the big fella, will be "thanks for lending me a hand" :stoked:
browndog
Roar Rookie
Love what the guy did for Napoli. Sadly the nose candy got the better of him. Hopefully his torment can be a lesson for future stars.
RIP Light of the country
Guest
This is what sporting giants look like...