VIDEO: Football great Diego Maradona passes away
Diego Maradona holds aloft the trophy after Argentina's 3-2 victory over West Germany in Mexico City. File/ AP
Syed Shayaan Bakht, Gulf Today
Football great Diego Maradona has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 60.
The football legend was at his home when he suffered the heart attack.
Maradona was suffering from health issues for the past few months.
The football great left the hospital two weeks ago after undergoing a brain surgery.
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He was nicknamed “El Pibe de Oro,” meaning "The Golden Boy," for his unique dribbling skills and charismatic personality that helped Argentina win the World Cup in 1986.
His famous 'Hand of God' eliminated England from the 1986 tournament.
Brazilian soccer star Pelé mourned the death of Diego Maradona.
"Certainly, one day we'll kick a ball together in the sky above," Pelé said in a brief statement.
Maradona's former club Napoli said, “A devastating blow for both city and club.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker said on Twitter, “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"
French former football player Michel Platini mourned Maradona’s death. He said, “A bit of our past has gone.”
Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, condoled Maradona’s demise.
In his tweet on the Dubai Media Office tTwitter page, Mansour said: “RIP Diego Maradona… The world has lost a legend. We are proud that he had shared his talent with us here in the UAE. Sending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Lionel Messi, the Argentine considered one of the world's greatest modern-day players, said Maradona was "eternal". "A very sad day for all Argentines and football," Messi wrote on Instagram.
"He has left us but he will never leave us because Diego is eternal. "I will keep all the beautiful moments that I lived with him and would like to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."
“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius," tweeted five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. "One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. "Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez immediately announced three days of national mourning in the South American country.
