‘We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out’: Tributes pour in for Diego Maradona

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona died on Wednesday age 60 of a heart attack, his lawyer said. He had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago.

He suffered a heart attack at his home in the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Argentinian media and acquaintances of the former player said.

Following are reactions to his death:

Italian soccer club Napoli, where Maradona played from 1984-1991

A “devastating blow” for both city and club. We are in mourning. We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out. We are in shock. Always in our hearts. Ciao Diego.”

Brazil football great Pele, said in a statement to 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.”

Former England striker Gary Lineker 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”

Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died. 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

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 25, 2020

Argentina’s football association on Twitter:

“Argentina’s football association, through its president Claudio Tapia, shares its deepest pain over the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts.”

 

La Asociación del Fútbol Argentino, a través de su Presidente Claudio Tapia, manifiesta su más profundo dolor por el fallecimiento de nuestra leyenda, Diego Armando Maradona.

Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones 💙 pic.twitter.com/xh6DdfCFed

— AFA (@afa) November 25, 2020

BOCA Juniors Football Club:

“Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.”

Former Argentina teammate Oswaldo Ardilles 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.”

 

Thank dear Dieguito for your friendship, for your footbal, 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. https://t.co/1xshiEZQVh

— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) November 25, 2020

Former Argentina player Javier Mascherano:

“Eternal thanks Diego for everything you have given us. Rest in peace. You won it all.”