Diego Maradona: Gary Lineker, Marcus Rashford, Pele mourn Argentina, Napoli and Barcelona legend
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Updated 25/11/2020 at 22:54 GMT
Players past and present have been paying tribute to Diego Maradona after he died at the age of 60. One of the greatest players ever, Maradona is best known for his time with Argentina, Napoli and Barcelona, while also having a colourful life off the pitch.
Diego Maradona
Image credit: Getty Images
The football world is mourning after the death of Diego Maradona.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Maradona suffered a cardiac arrest on Wednesday and died at the age of 60.
Players past and present, along with other sports people, commentators and his former teams, have reacted with shock and sadness.
England legend Gary Lineker wrote 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."
Maradona made 91 appearances for Argentina and the national team account tweeted: "So long, Diego. You'll always be in every heart of planet football."
Pele, who won the FIFA Player of the Century award along with Maradona in 2000, told Reuters: "Sad news to lose a friend like that. May God give enough strength to his family. For sure, one day we will kick a ball together in heaven."
Argentina president Alberto Fernandez has declared three days of national mourning, and wrote on Twitter: "You took us to the highest point in the world, and made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for being you, Diego, we will miss you for the rest of our lives."
Former Argentina team-mate Osvaldo Ardiles wrote on Twitter: "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."
The Vatican said Pope Francis remembers fellow Argentine Maradona with affection and is keeping him in his prayers.
"The pope was informed about the death of Diego Maradona, he recalls the times he met him in these past years with affection, and he is remembering him in his prayers, as he did in the past days when he was informed about his condition," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
Cristiano Ronaldo 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."
Manchester City Pep Guardiola remembered watching Maradona when he was growing up in Barcelona.
"When I was a little boy with my dad coming to see Barca with Maradona was incredible. Unfortunately, he had a big injury.
"When I arrived at the academy he had moved to Napoli. His impact in world football, the love and the joy, I was not with him in the locker room, but all the people who were express his generosity and how he thought of them to make football better.
"On the pitch he was unique. A once in a generation. It is sad news."
Former Colombia and Newcastle forward Faustino Asprilla wrote on Twitter: "My dear friend, Soccer Hero, Soccer Icon, Footballing Legend...Rest In Peace Diego Maradona, I will miss you eternally."
Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti said: "Very sad day for those of us who love football. There will be no other player like you, Maradona. Have a good trip, God."
And it was a simple message from his former club Napoli, where he became such a beloved figure for the club's fans. "Forever, thanks Diego"
Argentinian tennis player Juan Martin del Potro wrote on Twitter: "I feel that you return to the place that belongs to you, heaven. For me you will never die. Rest in peace."
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