Argentina football legend Diego Maradona dies of heart attack
- Maradona, 60, had been battling health issues and recently underwent emergency surgery
- Pele mourns his fellow soccer superstar, saying ‘one day we’ll kick a ball together in the sky above’
Argentina’s Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest footballers, died of a heart attack on Wednesday, his lawyer said.
Beloved in his homeland after leading Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup and adored in Italy after taking Napoli to two Serie A titles, Maradona was a uniquely gifted player and charismatic figure, but also battled demons off the field.
Maradona, 60, 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, acquaintances of the former player said.
In Argentina, the government has declared three days of mourning.
President Alberto Fernandez said in a tweet: “You took us to the highest point of the world, and made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for having been with us, Diego. We will miss you all our lives.”