PELE paid tribute to Diego Maradona as he claimed ‘we will play soccer together in the sky’.
The Argentina legend has passed away, aged 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Brazil icon Pele pictured with Argentina legend Diego Maradona
Maradona, who is best known for leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.
Pele, Gary Lineker, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Usain Bolt are among the long list of names that have paid tribute to the former Barcelona star.
Brazil legend Pele, 80, shared a heartfelt message alongside a picture of Maradona to his Instagram page.
He wrote: “Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend.
“There is much more to say, but for now may God give his family strength.
“One day I hope we will play soccer together in the sky.”
Messi shared two snaps of himself with fellow Argentina great Maradona with his 169 million followers.
The caption read: “A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
“I take all the moments lived with him and wanted to send condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
Olympic hero Bolt posted a picture of himself hugging Maradona, with the caption: “RIP to legend Maradona.”
Ronaldo shared a throwback snap of himself with Maradona and wrote: “Today I bid farewell to a friend and the world says farewell to an eternal genius.
“One of the best ever and an unmatched magician. Leaves too soon but leaves a boundless legacy and a void that will never be filled. RIP crack. You will never be forgotten.”
Lineker, who played in the England side beaten by Maradona in 86, posted: “Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died. By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.
“After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally some comfort in the hands of God.”
England’s official Twitter page said: “Unforgettable. Farewell Diego, a legend of our game.”
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford shared a picture of Maradona alongside the word ‘Legendary’.
Fellow Premier League stars Dele Alli and Antonio Rudiger also shared a message to Twitter.
Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys during his illustrious career.
He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina before he retired from professional football in 1997.
After he hung up his boots, Maradona managed a long list of teams including Racing Club and his beloved Argentina.
Most recently he was in charge of Gimnasia de La Plata after he joined them in 2019.
A number of his former clubs have joined in on social media to pay their respects.
Napoli, who Maradona played for from 1984 to 1991, wrote: “Always in our hearts. Ciago, Diego.”
Spanish giants Barcalona simply added: “Thanks for everything, Diego.”
Maradona died just two weeks after surgery following a bleed on the brain.
Maradona – who turned 60 last month – has suffered a long battle with his health forcing him to make numerous trips to hospital in recent months.
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning in honour of the star, who was a cultural icon and national hero.
UEFA has also announced there will be a minute of silence before tonight’s games in the Champions League.
Maradona himself dubbed his infamous 1986 goal the “hand of god” – as he lunged forward and knocked the ball into the back of England’s net in a clear handball.
But during the same game he also scored what is widely considered to be one of the best goals of all time.
The legend dribbled from inside his own half, leaving the England side in his wake, before slotting the ball past Peter Shilton.
It became known as the “goal of the century”.
One of the most gifted football players in history, Maradona’s pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986.
His career then hit a low point as plunging he was kicked out the 1994 World Cup for doping.
Years of drug use, overeating and alcoholism brought an end to his stellar career – and left him almost dying of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000.
Diego Maradona scores legendary Hand of God goal against England at 1986 World Cup
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
