Argentina legend Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60 following a heart attack. Matias Morla, Maradona’s longtime agent, confirmed the news to EFE on Wednesday.
A statement from the Argentina Football Association read: “The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest pain at the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You’ll always be in our hearts.
Maradona was hospitalised earlier this month after undergoing surgery for a blood clot on the brain.
La noticia más triste: a los 60 años, murió Diego Armando Maradona. pic.twitter.com/lED4f4JXTV
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) November 25, 2020
The surgery was successful but, just weeks later, Maradona has passed away.
"I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky."
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 25, 2020
?️ Pele on Diego Maradona pic.twitter.com/ToG4IpJURv
His personal doctor, neurologist Leopoldo Luque, had said that the problem likely was caused by an accident. He was, however, released from a Buenos Aires hospital just over a week after undergoing the surgery, and was to continue his recovery in a private home.
He had celebrated his 60th Birthday on October 30 and had showed up that night for Gimnasia’s national championship match against Patronato, which his team won 3-0. He left before the end of the first half, which had raised questions about his health.
Before his birthday, Maradona had been isolating at home after coming into contact with a person who showed systems of COVID-19.Along with Brazil’s Pele, Maradona was known as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In 1994 he was thrown out of the World Cup in America after failing a drugs test, before retiring from football in 1997. In 1999 and 2000 he was taken to hospital suffering heart problems, the second time requiring a respirator to breathe. In 2004, he was again treated in hospital for severe heart and respiratory problems linked to his drug abuse. He has undergone two gastric bypass operations to control his weight and received treatment for alcohol abuse.
In January, he had surgery to stem bleeding in his stomach and in July he underwent a knee operation.
Three week ago he was admitted to hospital for surgery on a blood clot in his brain, before being discharged to recover at home.
One of the most gifted soccer players in history is more with us.
RIP to legend #Maradona ?? pic.twitter.com/U9KdyRhGBE
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) November 25, 2020
We mourn the tragic demise of the legendary @Argentina footballing icon Diego #Maradona, who was adored by fans and football lovers across the world.
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 25, 2020
RIP ?#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/ggi403YTsl
My hero no more ..my mad genius rest in peace ..I watched football for you.. pic.twitter.com/JhqFffD2vr
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) November 25, 2020
Big big loss! Our childhood star who gave us so many memories to cherish & celebrate. Saddened to hear about the demise of The legend #diegomaradona. You will live on in hearts & memories. pic.twitter.com/hyHbdSKqqi
— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) November 25, 2020