CARLOS TEVEZ paid an emotional tribute to the ‘King of Kings’ Diego Maradona after scoring for Boca Juniors.
Wednesday night’s Copa Libertadores clash with Internacional was won by the Argentine’s clinical finish.
Carlos Tevez unveiled a vintage Boca Juniors shirt with Diego Maradona’s No10Credit: Getty – Pool
The striker also kissed an armband which declared Maradona the ‘King of Kings’Credit: AFP or licensors
After scoring on the hour-mark, the 36-year-old unveiled a vintage Boca kit bearing the legend’s No10.
The captain then took off his armband that contained Maradona’s birth year and the phrase ‘Rey de Reyes’ – or ‘King of Kings’ – and kissed it.
Like Maradona, Tevez played for Boca at the start and end of his career having conquered European football in his prime.
Wednesday’s goal was a classic poacher’s effort in the last-16 first leg against the Brazilian side.
A mix-up in the Internacional defence allowed Eduardo Salvio to steal into the box and tee up the striker, who spun and finished in the six-yard box.
The former Manchester United star’s effort followed a similar tribute by Lionel Messi.
Fellow Argentine icon Messi showed off a Newell’s Old Boys shirt, also bearing No10 as Maradona wore during a spell with the club in 1993.
The strike against Osasuna also held eerie similarities with the late legend’s goal on his Old Boys debut.
Messi was subsequently booked and fined just over £500 by Spanish football authorities.
And Tevez was also not allowed to escape punishment for his Boca tribute, with the referee waiting to show a yellow card to the veteran after his celebration ended.
Tevez was booked for taking his shirt off in the celebrationCredit: Reuters
Boca Juniors’ current No10 made the tribute after his Copa Libertadores strikeCredit: Reuters
Maradona died last week at the age of 60 from a heart attack, while recovering from brain surgery.
Clubs, fans and players have joined together around the world to honour the former midfielder’s memory.
A number of teams are considering retiring Maradona’s No10 shirt, following the lead of old club Napoli.
And Messi himself has been encouraged to do so by one of the legend’s sons, Diego Jr.
Watch Messi and Maradona’s eerily similar goals for Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys as Barcelona star honours icon
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
