Diego Maradona Argentina legend dies aged 60
Football icon Diego Maradona has passed away aged 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday and was pronounced dead at the property near to where one of his two daughters with ex-wife Claudia Villafane lives. Maradona underwent surgery earlier this month to remove a blood clot from his brain.
He was released from the clinic in Buenos Aires two weeks ago.
Maradona is widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
His professional career spanned 21 years with his crowning moment coming at the 1986 World Cup as he led Argentina to glory.
Maradona hand of God goal in the world cup
Maradona began his career at Argentinos Juniors before moving on to Boca Junior where he was quickly picked up by Barcelona.
Just two seasons were spent at the Nou Camp though before he made the move to his beloved Napoli.
It was in Italy where Maradona was starting tone recognised as one of the greatest of all time.
Maradona also become synonymous with England supporters at the 1986 World Cup for his ‘Hand of God’ goal, which eliminated the Three Lions from the tournament.
Maradona during his coaching career
His second goal in the game though is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever scored at a World Cup which saw him dribble past five England players finally Peter Shilton to tap into an empty net.
However, while Maradona illustrious football career was starting to take shape in Italy, so was a cocaine addiction.
He was slapped with a 15-month suspension for violating drug regulations in 1991 and was thrown out of the 1994 World Cup after testing positive for ephedrine.
Maradona after winning the world cup
The final years of his career were masked in controversy, but his talents on the football pitch inspired a generation.
Lionel Messi, now regarded as the greatest footballer, admitted five years ago that Maradona helped shape his path into football.