The news comes just weeks after undergoing a major operation to remove a blood clot from his brain, with Maradona passing away at his home in Tigre, where emergency paramedics provided treatment, though the iconic former football player was unable to be resuscitated.
Maradona was loved throughout the world following a legendary career, but became an icon back home in Argentina, as well as in Naples, where he inspired Napoli to win Serie A.
THE GENIUS AND JOY OF MARADONA
Maradona represented the freedom of football and what it allowed you to do, as well as the level the game could be taken to
KLOPP ON MARADONA
“I’m 53 years old and it feels like my entire life, he was part of it," Klopp said. "When I was very, very young – maybe eight or nine, 10 years old – I saw him for the first time and he was 16 or 17.
“In any video, juggling the ball, from that moment on he was the player for me.
“It’s like, from an international point of view there’s Pele, Maradona, Messi, if you want – one Brazilian and two Argentinians. I saw his documentary not too long ago; Diego was a sensational guy, Maradona had some struggles, let me say it like this. I will miss both.”
People wearing a face mask stand at the so-called "Maradona Corner" at the top of the Quartieri Spagnoli in Naples
(AFP)
People gather at the top of the Quartieri Spagnoli in Naples
(AFP)
NAPOLI TO RENAME SAN PAOLO AFTER MARADONA
Former Napoli forward’s death has triggered an outpouring of emotion across Naples as fans flood the streets to pay their respects to the late Argentine great
GASCOIGNE SHARES BRILLIANT MARADONA STORY
“It's such sad news for everyone in sport,” Gascoigne told Alan Myers. “I got to know him personally, I remember me and Diego outside a hotel. I said, 'can I borrow your lighter?' And it was Diego! I laughed. What a talent.
“I played against him for Lazio vs Sevilla, I scored and I said, 'Diego beat that,' and he winked and scored a free-kick, incredible goal. My thoughts go out to his family. RIP Diego, you will be missed.”
WATCH MARADONA’S GREATEST NAPOLI MOMENTS
The No 10 created a great legacy in the south of Italy, which included two Serie A titles
DIEGO MARADONA OBITUARY
The world champion was a master individualist and one of the finest players the sport has ever seen
DE LAURENTIIS CONSIDERING RENAMING NAPOLI STADIUM AFTER MARADONA
The Napoli president said: “We can consider the idea of calling our stadium San Paolo-Diego Armando Maradona”.
MARADONA, THE TWO-FACED GOD OF FOOTBALL WHO NEVER GREW UP
He was the best and the worst, predictably unpredictable and untrustworthy with anything but a ball. That is what made him the greatest
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