DIEGO MARADONA has died of a massive heart attack aged 60.
The Argentinian legend passed away just two weeks after being released from hospital following treatment for a brain bleed.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Maradona almost single-handedly led Argentina to their 1986 World Cup win.
But he had a long history of bad health, battles with addiction and suffered extreme weight fluctuations over the past few decades.
Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates on Maradona's death
- Chris Bradford
'A TRUE FOOTBALL ICON' SAY CELTIC
- Chris Bradford
'I HAVE LOST A DEAR FRIEND'
Brazil legend Pele has posted a tribute to his “dear friend” and rival Diego Maradona on Instagram.
Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend.
“There is much more to say, but for now may God give his family strength. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky.”
- Chris Bradford
'ANOTHER LOSS FOR THE SPORTING WORLD'
Former West Indies cricketer Sir Vivian Richards has described Maradona's death as “another loss for the sporting world”.
- Chris Bradford
DID YOU KNOW THAT MARADONA NEARLY SIGNED FOR SHEFFIELD UNITED?
Diego Maradona could've become a Blade in the late 1970s if it wasn't for the stinginess of the Sheffield United board of directors.
In 1978, manager Harry Haslam watched a 17-year-old Diego in action while on a scouting mission in Argentina.
The Sheff Utd manager was so impressed that he arranged a £200,000 deal which would've brought Maradona over to England.
The transfer fell through after the board failed to stump up the extra cash.
The rest is history, they say.
- Chris Bradford
'YOU SHALL BE MISSED'
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has posted a glowing tribute following the news of Diego Maradona's death, aged 60.
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'ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS'
Maradona achieved considerable success at Napoli when he joined the Italian giants in 1984. He led the side to their first Serie A title in 1987. A second followed in 1990, alongside an Italian Cup in 87 and a UEFA Cup in 1991.
- Chris Bradford
GRACIAS
Diego Maradona signed for Barcelona in 1982 where he played 75 games for the club, scoring 45 goals.
The Argentine won the Copa Del Rey and the League Cup in 1982/83, and won the Spanish Super Cup the following season.
- Chris Bradford
HARRY KANE TRIBUTE TO MARADONA
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USAIN AND DIEGO
Following the news of Diego Maradona's passing, Olympic champion Usain Bolt has shared a heartwarming photograph of the pair.
- Chris Bradford
'A WILD PASSIONATE, COMPLEX FOOTBALLING GENIUS'
- Chris Bradford
MANCHESTER CLUBS SAY FAREWELL
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'A GENIUS OF HIS ART'
- Chris Bradford
PREMIER LEAGUE PAYS ITS RESPECTS
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of footballing great, Diego Maradona, an extraordinarily gifted footballer who transcended the sport.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences to Diego’s family, friends and those who knew him.
Premier League (@premierleague), November 25 2020
- Chris Bradford
TRIBUTES POURING IN
- John Hall
'HAND OF GOD'
Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and became notorious for his 'Hand of God' goal against England.
The Argentinian started his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Barcelona where he won the Copa del Rey trophy.
But he became a hero in Naples inspiring Napoli to two Serie A titles in the late 1980s.
His career also saw a spell in Spain with Sevilla before going back to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys and Boca.
- John Hall
LEGEND DEAD
Last November, the former footballer was forced to deny he was dying in an extraordinary video address to fans after his daughter Gianinna hinted he was being “killed from inside” with sedatives.
He also told his growing brood of children he will leave them nothing after his death because he will donate his fortune to charity.
In a video filmed from what appeared to be his home in Argentina, Maradona, said: “What I do know is that as you get older, people worry more about what you’re going to leave than what you’re doing.
“I tell you all that I’m not going to leave anything, that I am going to donate it.
“I’m not going to give away everything I earned by running during my life, I’m going to donate it.”
- John Hall
GREATEST EVER?
The Argentinian started his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Barcelona where he won the Copa del Rey trophy.
But he became a hero in Naples inspiring Napoli to two Serie A titles in the late 1980s.
His career also saw a spell in Spain with Sevilla before going back to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys and Boca.
- John Hall
ALCOHOL FIGHT
Maradona's ex-girlfriend insisted shortly before his subdural haematoma was discovered that he needed urgent treatment for his 'real problem' – alcohol addiction.
Rocio Oliva spent six years with the recovering drug addict and came close to marrying him before their split at the end of 2018.
Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and became notorious for his 'Hand of God' goal against England.
- John Hall
LONG BATTLE
Maradona has suffered a long battle with his health with numerous trips to hospital as he turned 60 last month.
The footie legend had spent eight days on a ward after he was admitted for an emergency operation for a blood clot on the brain.
His lawyer Matias Morla described it as a “miracle” he was still alive just two weeks ago and described the surgery as the “most difficult moment of his life”.
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