RIP Diego Maradona: Read how soccer players are reacting
In a statement on ESPN, Matias Morla confirmed Diego Maradona’s death at the privacy of his home in Tigre, Argentina. On Wednesday, November 25, Diego Maradona died after going into cardiac arrest. Maradona’s agent stated he recently had brain surgery after a previous heart attack. The soccer world has spoken highly about the fallen Argentianian player.
Pep Guardiola
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola paid his respects to Diego Maradona and sent lots of love to the Maradona family. Guardiola played for Barcelona moments after Maradona left in the mid-1980s. The Barcelona star called Maradona, “a man of joy”.
Pep Guardiola stated that Diego Maradona “made world football better”. “His performance, what he had done in Napoli, and especially the national team in Argentina, Mexico 1986, it was something unbelievable. Rest in peace and on behalf of Manchester City of course, a big hug for all of his family.”
Miguel Ángel Russo
The most touching message came from Diego Maradona’s old team-mate Miguel Ángel Russo. These old friends played for Argentina at the 1986 World Cup. Russo & Maradona also coached opposing teams earlier this year. Maradona coached Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, and Russo currently coaches Boca Juniors.
Miguel Angel Russo told reporters, “I feel a big sorrow, a deep pain as he was the greatest player in Argentina and the world. I had the chance to be his team-mate for the national team and we shared many things. He gave so many things to the Argentinian people and the sport of football. The greatest of all just left us”.
Peter Shilton
The English goalkeeper, Peter Shilton played against Diego Maradona in the 1986 Soccer World Cup. Shilton always believed Maradona cheated with his “hand of god” goal that gave Argentina the win in the World Cup. Despite his prejudices, the goalkeeper only had words of praise for the fallen soccer player.
In a personal letter to the Daily Mail, Peter Shilton explained how his life has always been linked to Diego Maradona, whether he liked it or not. Shilton called Maradona a “special talent” and admitted, “[Maradona] was undoubtedly the greatest player I ever faced and my thoughts are with his family.”
Jürgen Kloopp
Manager of Liverpool, Jürgen Kloopp spoke on camera and confessed Diego Maradona “is one of the greatest ever, was one of the greatest ever.” The European manager said he was extremely impressed by Maradona and watched his documentary recently.
Jürgen Kloopp told reporters that Diego Maradona was one of those soccer heroes who just “made it look completely easy”. Kloopp also added that Maradona was someone who “understood the game on a completely different level” and truly was “unbelievable”.
Gary Lineker
According to BT Sport, Gary Lineker played against Diego Maradona in Wembley. Linker talks about his incredible moment and how everyone was in awe of Maradona before their match started.
Barcelona player, Gary Linekar spoke about a remarkable moment just watching Maradona kick the soccer ball. Linekar told the rest of BT Sports hosts, “I have never seen anyone have such a beautiful affection with a football.” The host ended with, “Diego Maradona [is] one of the greatest footballers of all time”.
Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone played alongside Diego Maradona for Argentina during the 1994 World Cup. In a press conference after his Atletico Madrid game, Diego Simeone looked completely devastated as he called Diego Maradona “a myth”. Simeone sighed, “It cannot be, Diego cannot die.”
Diego Simeone said hearing of his friend’s passing was a difficult moment for him. Simeone emphasized that Diego Maradona always had “fighting spirit, both positive and negative, but always looking forward.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Everton boss, Carlo Ancelotti played for Italian team AC Milan when Diego Maradona played for Napoli. These Italian teams were definitely rivals, but Ancelotti always had a soft spot for Maradona. In an interview with France Football, Ancelotti noted, “He is the greatest player that I ever faced.”
Carlo Ancelotti also posted a photo of them as soccer rivals back in the 1980s. The photo captioned “You were always a genius. Today is a very sad day and a great loss. But you my friend are eternal. Ciao Diego. Rest in Peace.”
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Diego Armando Maradona was a soccer legend. Soccer players across the globe like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo have posted their respects on social media. Sending condolences to Maradona’s family.
