Maradona tributes latest: Pele and Gary Lineker lead reactions as football legend dies
The iconic Argentine has passed away following a cardiac arrest
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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
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OBITUARY: Remembering Maradona, the footballer who dominated the game like a god
MARADONA LEGACY SPREADS BEYOND FOOTBALL
The legend of Maradona spreads far beyond football, with other sports, such as basketball, including Spaniard Pau Gasol and Slovenian Luka Doncic saddened by the news.
BARCELONA RELEASE MARADONA STATEMENT
A club statement read: “FC Barcelona expresses its deepest condolences regarding the death of Diego Armando Maradona, a player for our club (1982-84) and an icon of world football. Rest in peace Diego.”
REAL MADRID PAY TRIBUTE TO MARADONA
Real Madrid have paid tribute to Diego Maradona, who played for rivals Barcelona.
A statement read: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true legend of world football, Diego Armando Maradona.
“Real Madrid extends its condolences to his family and friends, his former clubs and football fans worldwide, particularly those in Argentina.”
PELE ON MARADONA
Pele has reacted to the passing of Maradona, revealing he is sad “to lose friends this way”.
The Brazil legend added: “Certainly one day we’ll kick a ball together in the sky above.”
FILM DIRECTOR KAPADIA: MARADONA WAS THE GREATEST
Film director Asif Kapadia has paid tribute to Diego Maradona, who was the subject of his 2019 film title ‘Diego Maradona’, which captured his life from a child through to his glory years in football and beyond.
ARDILES: MARADONA WAS THE BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER IN HISTORY
Friend and former teammate Osvaldo Ardiles has hailed the legacy of Diego Maradona:
“Thank dear Dieguito for your friendship, for your football, sublime, without comparison. Simply, the best football player in the history of football.
"So many enjoyable moments together. Impossible to say which one was the best. RIP my dear friend.”
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