Legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60 at his home in Tigre.
The 1986 World Cup winner was recently discharged post removing a blood clot from his brain. Earlier Argentine media updated about the heart-breaking development, but it was confirmed by his lawyer later.
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez announced that there will be three days of national mourning. Followed by news from media, the news was confirmed by the country’s football association as well. A minute’s silence will be held in Maradona’s memory during all the Champions League fixtures on Wednesday evening.
“You took us to the top of the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of them all. Thank you for having existed, Diego. We’re going to miss you all our lives,” the President said in his statement.
The Argentine FA commented on its social media statement, “its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend. You will always be in our hearts.”
The Albiceleste superstar was recovering after undergoing brain surgery at the start of November, days after his birthday, at his home in Tigre, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Maradona was diagnosed with a subdural haematoma is a serious condition where a blood clot develops between the skull and the surface of the brain. It is usually caused by a head injury.
On Wednesday morning he suffered cardiac arrest, and paramedics at the scene failed to revive him.
Maradona became a household name post his heroics in the World Cup triumph in 1986. Touted as the Golden Boy, his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal is commemorated till date.
The left-footed forward went on to play for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys as a player. He retired from professional football in 1997, on his 37th birthday. Post his playing career, he went on to coach Racing Club, Dorados, Gimnasia and the Argentina national team later.
