Diego Maradona: Football loses its joy, passion, verve

Diego Maradona won the football World Cup with Argentina in 1986, having knocked England out of the tournament in a match which saw him score the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal

Diego Maradona has died from a heart attack days after turning 60. He breathed his last at home, his lawyer said, just three weeks after having surgery on a blood clot in his brain.

Diego Maradona has died from a heart attack days after turning 60. He breathed his last at home (REUTERS)

Maradona won the football World Cup with Argentina in 1986, having knocked England out of the tournament in a match which saw him score the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal, and another — widely considered to be the greatest goal of all time. One of the greatest players on the pitch, his life off the pitch was equally colourful — amid battles with drug and alcohol addiction. He not just inspired a generation, he defined it.