‘HE LEAVES US BUT DOES NOT LEAVE – DIEGO IS ETERNAL’
PELE paid tribute to his fellow icon Diego Maradona yesterday after the Argentine’s death, saying: ‘One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.’
News of Maradona’s death at the age of 60 saddened the sporting world. And 80year-old Brazilian Pele, his long-time rival for the title of greatest footballer of all time, tweeted: ‘What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend.
‘May God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.’
Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Mexico in 1986 – scoring the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and a sensational solo effort in their quarter-final win over England – and helped his country to the final four years later.
Argentina hero Lionel Messi wrote on Instagram: ‘A very sad day for all Argentines and for football.
‘He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.’
Maradona’s memorable club career began at Boca Juniors before a then world-record £5million move to Barcelona in 1982, who tweeted: ‘Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.’
Naples is also in mourning – Maradona inspired Napoli’s first Serie A title during seven glorious years at the club.
Maradona’s life was plagued by drug abuse and health issues and his death was confirmed yesterday by Argentina’s football association. He had been in hospital in Buenos Aires after surgery to remove a blood clot on the brain earlier this month.
There will be three days of mourning in Argentina and there was a minute’s silence at last night’s Champions League matches.