Ciao Diego
ARGENTINE football great Diego Maradona died yesterday, aged 60, after suffering a heart attack. Following are some reactions to his death:
“A very sad day for all Argentinians and for football. He has left us but he isn’t going anywhere because Diego is eternal. I’ll remember the lovely moments I experienced with him and I send my condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.” Argentina and Barcelona captain
Lionel Messi, on Instagram
“When I was growing up Diego was the guide on how to play football. This painful moments hurts us all, because Maradona is football, he is Argentina, he had that rebellious character which defined him everywhere he went. He really looked after me when we were both at Sevilla and I was very young. Diego may have gone but his spirit will remain on every football pitch.”
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone
“Everyone is waiting for our words but what words could we possibly use for a pain such as this that we are going through? Now is the moment for tears. Then there will be the moment for words. We are in mourning. We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out. We are in shock. A devastating blow for both city and club. Always in our hearts. Ciao Diego.”
Italian football club Napoli, where Maradona played from 1984-1991
“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.”
Brazil football great Pele, in a statement to Reuters
“By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego”
Former England striker Gary Lineker, on Twitter
“His time on earth brought a lot of happiness to his country and seduced us all. I’ll never forget all the laughs we had. He was never an adversary for me.”
Former Brazil striker Romario
“There was a banner in Argentina that said: ‘No matter what you have done with your life Diego, what matters is what you have done for our lives.’ He gave a lot of joy and he made football better. What he did for Napoli and for Argentina in 1986 was something unbelievable. On the pitch he was unique. A once in a generation.”
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola