Maradona, one of football’s greatest, dies aged 60
Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, his lawyer said. Maradona, 60, had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago. He suffered a heart attack at his home in the outskirts of […]
Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, his lawyer said.
Maradona, 60, had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago.
He suffered a heart attack at his home in the outskirts of Buenos Aires yesterday, Argentinian media and acquaintances of the former player said.
Consequently, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez has declared three days of national mourning.
As the world mourns, Nigerian football stakeholders have also joined paying tributes to the man considered by many to be the greatest football player of all times.
A former member of the House of Representatives and former NFF presidential candidate, Hon. Lumumba Dah Adeh said “He is a legend. He was an enigma as far as football is concerned. He brought a fresh breath into football after Pele and left his mark which I believe will be difficult to erase or forget easily.
“He may have had his down side which is normal with any young man that met fame early, but beyond that, Maradona remains unique with his robust style of play.
Asked what he remembers most about Maradona, he said “It wouldn’t be anything farther than the 1994 World Cup in the USA where he played a quick free kick that caught our defenders napping. It was a bit controversial but still part of the game.”
The Chairman of Nasarawa United and Chairman of Club owners Association, Barrister Isaac Danladi said “First and foremost it is a colossal loss to world football.
“He will always be remembered for his fantastic football artistry and the controversial hand of God goal against England at the 1986 World cup.
“Maradona will also be remembered for his off the pitch issues with drug addiction.
“He was the good, the bad and ugly side of football. But in the end, he left all of us with fond memories.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and may God forgive his shortcomings.”
On his part, the pioneer Executive Chairman of Gombe State Sports Commission, Malam Farouk Yarma said “The passing of Maradona is a monumental loss to football. We have lost a legend, an incredible player from the greatest era in football. He will be deeply missed.”
Another football enthusiast and former member of NFF medical committee, Dr. John Ogbadu alaid Maradona had it all by being completely and totally instrumental to Argentina winning the 1986 World Cup in 1986 in Mexico.
“He was unique on the pitch. He was among the few who could move with the ball from their own half to go and score like he did against England in 1986.
“It is just sad that such a genius is leaving without impacting it much on others. We pray for his soul to rest in peace,” he said.
Diego Armando Maradona Timeline:1960-2020
Born on October 30 1960, in Lanús, Argentina
1970 Joins Los Cebollitas youth team
1971 Scouted age 11 for the junior team of Argentinos Juniors
1976 Turns professional, makes his pro debut aged 15, joins Argentinos Juniors
1977 Makes his full international debut for Argentina, aged 16
1978 Becomes youngest player ever to be picked by Argentine national team
1979 Scores his first international goal, and wins the junior World Cup
1980 Signs with Barcelona of the Spanish League
1981 Transferred to Boca Juniors for $1.96 million
1982 Plays his first World Cup for Argentina and scores twice.
1984 Is transferred from Barcelona to Serie A Napoli for $13.54 million, another record
1986 Wins World Cup as Argentina captain. Scores two goals against England, including the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and another after dribbling past six players –- this was voted ‘Goal of the Century’ in a FIFA poll in 2002
1989 Gets married to Claudia Villafane
1991 Fails a drug test, and handed a 15-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine. Leaves Italy
1994 Tests positive for ephedrine and is sent back home from World Cup in America
1997 Announces retirement from professional soccer, aged 37, following another failed drugs test
2002 Relocates to Cuba to battle drug addiction issue
2004 Admitted to a hospital after he collapses again
2008 Appointed head coach of Argentina national team; he performed this role for 18 months, until 2010 World Cup.
2020 Leaves Olivos clinic in Buenos Aires after surgery for blood clot in brain; dies on November 25