Maradona tributes latest: Pele and Gary Lineker lead reactions as football legend dies
The iconic Argentine has passed away following a cardiac arrest
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Diego Maradona has passed away aged 60 following a cardiac arrest.
The news comes just weeks after undergoing a major operation to remove a blood clot from his brain, with Maradona passing away at his home in Tigre, where emergency paramedics provided treatment, though the iconic former football player was unable to be resuscitated.
Maradona was loved throughout the world following a legendary career, but became an icon back home in Argentina, as well as in Naples, where he inspired Napoli to win Serie A.
READ MORE: FULL STORY - Diego Maradona dies aged 60
READ MORE: The genius and joy of Diego Maradona
READ MORE: Pele leads tributes to Diego Maradona following Argentine’s death
OBITUARY: Remembering Maradona, the footballer who dominated the game like a god
UEFA PRESIDENT REACTS TO MARADONA PASSING
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Diego Maradona, one of world football’s greatest and most iconic figures. I was in touch recently to wish him well, and this news comes as a considerable shock to me.
“Diego Maradona achieved greatness as a wonderful player with a genius and charisma of his own. He was a hero in his native Argentina, with whom he enjoyed World Cup glory, and became an eternal idol for the supporters of Napoli, who will never forget the successes he brought to the club during his memorable spell in Italy.
“He will go down in history as someone who set football alight and thrilled fans young and old with his brilliance and skill. I have instructed UEFA to hold a minute’s silence in memory of Diego at this week’s matches.”
RONALDO SHARES MARADONA TRIBUTE
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has shared his tribute to Diego Maradona.
He said: "Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. 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.”
PRESIDENT FERNANDEZ CONFIRMS THREE DAYS OF MOURNING
Argentinian president Alberto Fernandez has confirmed the country will mourn for three days.
He said: "You took us to the top of the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of them all.
"Thank you for having existed, Diego. We're going to miss you all our lives."
BRYAN ROBSON PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER OPPONENT MARADONA
“What a player he was - undoubtedly the best of his era and up there with the likes of Pele among the greatest ever," said Robson.
“He won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina more or less on his own. The football he played and the goals he scored in that tournament were unbelievable.
“He went past five players to score against England in the quarter-final and then did exactly the same against Belgium in the semi-final.
“He was a real character too. I played with him in quite a few charity games and he was a great person to be around.
“Of course, we met in 1984 as well. It was a great evening for us and people still talk about it 36 years later.
“To come back from 2-0 down against Barcelona is a great result at any time, but to do it against a team containing Maradona and Bernd Schuster made it even more special.
“It’s a sad day for football but he leaves us with some fantastic memories.”
SOUNESS PAYS TRIBUTE TO MARADONA
“He is one of the greatest players to ever kick a ball and you were in the presence of greatness when you played against him,” said the former Liverpool midfielder. "Some of the things he could do with the ball, you were blessed to share a pitch with him, and I think anyone who played against him would say that.
"He was tiny but he was fearless. There were players around at that time who were known to be over physical but he was an absolute warrior and ridiculously brave. He'd get kicked but he would come back for more. There have only been a handful of players in history who have been blessed with his ability. He was unique."
MARADONA’S GREATEST NAPOLI MOMENTS
Unhandled: video-dugout
CARRAGHER: I’LL NEVER FORGET MARADONA
Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher maintains he has never seen anybody read the heights of Maradona since his legendary performance at the 1986 World Cup.
Carragher wrote: “I’ll never forget watching Diego Maradona as an 8-year-old at the World Cup in Mexico. Never seen anything like it on that stage since. Sad news.”
SERIE A MOURNS LOSS OF MARADONA
Maradona revolutionised Serie A during his time in Naples, with defender Franco Baresi revealing his sadness at the loss of the Argentine.
The Italian said: "My heart is hurting, it was an honour to compete against you, you had a big heart, you will continue to create magic and provide joy and emotion forever, Ciao Diego."
TENNIS MOURNS LOSS OF MARADONA
Maradona was an avid tennis fan and could be seen at grand slams, pictured with the best players in the world.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies