PELE: I LOST A FRIEND... THE WORLD HAS LOST A LEGEND

BRAZIL’S greatest player Pele led the tributes to Diego Maradona. ‘What sad news,’ he said. ‘I’ve lost a great friend and the world has lost a legend. May God give strength to his family. One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.’

LIONEL MESSI

‘A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.’

GARY LINEKER

‘I have never seen anyone have such a beautiful affection with a football. ‘In 1986, he was just incredible. We talk about the Hand of God goal, but the other goal he scored in that game... It was the closest in my life that I’ve ever felt like I ought to applaud someone else scoring a goal.’

ROMARIO

‘My friend is gone. Maradona, the legend. The Argentine who conquered the world with the ball at his feet, but also with his joy and unique personality. Of the players I saw on the pitch, he was the best.’

CRISTIANO RONALDO

‘One of the greatest of all time. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled.’

GRAEME SOUNESS

‘We both went to Italy at the same time in 1984. I was bigger than him, but when we made contact, I bounced off him. He just rode challenges like all the great players.’

BRYAN ROBSON

‘What a player he was — undoubtedly the best of his era and up there with the likes of Pele among the greatest ever.’

PEP GUARDIOLA

‘A banner in Argentina one year ago said, “No matter what you have done with your life, Diego, it matters what you have done for our lives”. He made world football better. What he did in Napoli — a team in the south — and then with Argentina at Mexico 86 was unbelievable.’

PAUL GASCOIGNE

‘I got to know him personally. I remember me and Diego outside a hotel. I said, “Can I borrow your lighter?” It was Diego. I laughed. What a talent. I played against him for Lazio against Seville and scored. I said, “Diego, beat that”. He winked and scored a free-kick. Incredible goal.’