BOCA JUNIORS paid tribute to Diego Maradona by turning off all the lights in their stadium, bar his box, in awe-inspiring scenes.
Maradona passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60 of a suspected heart attack.
Boca Juniors paid tribute to Diego Maradona by leaving the light on in his La Bombonera boxCredit: Twitter @BocaJrsOficial
Maradona is a Boca legend after two spells with the Buenos Aires clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
The president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, has decreed three days of national mourning.
And former club Boca paid their respects by turning off all the lights in their famous La Bombonera stadium, located in the south-east of capital Buenos Aires.
They left on just the light in Maradona’s personal box, creating an epic sight for the naked eye.
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The legendary footballer spent one brilliant year at Boca Juniors in 1981, scoring 28 goals in 40 to win the league title.
After an incredible career spanning clubs including Barcelona and Napoli, Maradona returned to Boca in 1995, where he scored a further seven goals in 31 games.
Grieving supporters took to the streets today to get a glimpse of his casket.
But grief and passion boiled over as some broke through barriers and brawled with riot police near the presidential palace.
Many across the globe paid tribute to Maradona following yesterday’s news, including Brazilian legend Pele – considered to the best player ever alongside Maradona.
Maradona led Boca to the title in 1981 before departing for EuropeCredit: AFP
Former club Napoli, who he led to two Serie A titles and one UEFA Cup, saw fans pour onto the streets of Naples in tears.
The Italian club now plans to rename its San Paolo stadium after Maradona.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis said: “We can consider the idea of calling our stadium San Paolo-Diego Armando Maradona.”
Naples Mayor Luigi De Magistris added: “We are already putting it together this morning, taking the first steps to dedicate Naples’ stadium to Maradona.
“It’s a process but it will be a quick process, because when there is such a strong desire there’s nothing that will hold us up.
“We’re hoping to make it coincide with the resumption of games with fans.”
Napoli plan on changing the name of their San Paolo stadium to honour their former manCredit: AP:Associated Press
Maradona won two league titles and one UEFA Cup during his time in NaplesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Former Napoli star and Chelsea vice-captain Jorginho added: “Maradona was a hero for all of us who love football.
“What he did on the pitch was unbelievable. It is something that no one can ever forget because he made the history of football.
“I was lucky to meet him once in Naples. I took a picture with him and I will never forget that day. I think those who met him will never forget, who saw what he did on the pitch will never forget.
“Today is a sad day because it is a big loss and I struggle to believe it happened. What he did for Naples, everyone just loves him so much for it, I felt that.
“I need to say thanks for what he did for football. He made us dream. Every kid who watched his skills and what he did on the pitch, every fan, everyone loved and will love him forever for what he did on the pitch.
“I am sad today about what happened, I have and I will always have a big respect for Maradona. Thank you Diego, rest in peace.”
Mourners visit Maradona’s coffin as it lays in state in Argentina
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
