RIP Diego Maradona

 

    The world lost a legend today as the football star Diego Maradona to cardiac arrest, according to his lawyer. Maradona just turned 60 years old weeks ago. After a roller coaster career filled with many highs on the field and lows off it, there's no denying his talent. Maradona is regarded as one of the best players of the game and became an even more popular figure after he lead Argentina to World Cup Victory in 1986. His goal against England in that tournament was later voted Fifa's best goal of the century. 

    The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, tweeted it "expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts." Other soccer icons of today's world, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also expressed their condolences through social media. Brazilian legend Pele also said he hopes to play with Maradona in the sky one day. He was a god on the field, and off it reduced to indulgences whether it be with alcohol, drugs or personal affairs. 

    His glittering career was also marked by numerous controversies and his notorious lifestyle led to alcoholism and addiction. Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez announced three days of national mourning for the passing of the superstar, and posted a tribute to Maradona on Twitter. "You took us to the top of the world. You made us feel incredibly happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for having existed," it read. Fans took to the streets across Argentina and in Naples on Wednesday to pay tribute to their hero.

    Meanwhile, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said a minute's silence would be observed ahead of all European matches this week in honor of the Argentine. "He will go down in history as someone who set football alight and thrilled fans young and old with his brilliance and skill," Čeferin said in a statement. Diego might be gone, but he remains with us for eternity. 

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