Diego Maradona Has Passed Away Age 60 After Cardiac Arrest

Football legend Diego Maradona has died aged 60, reports in Argentina say.

Reputable Argentine outlet Clarin were first to report the news the World Cup winner suffered a cardiac arrest.

Emergency paramedics tried to resuscitate him in Tigre on Wednesday morning (local time) but he did not pull through.

The former Barcelona and Napoli forward had recently undergone an operation to remove a blood clot in his brain after being rushed into hospital following a fall on 2 November.

Upon his release from the facility in Buenos Aires medical staff had been based at his house to monitor his condition, while doctors confirmed he was being treated for alcohol dependency.

Maradona will go down as one of the greatest and most gifted footballers who well and truly transcended the sport with his ability and personality.

He began his career with stints at Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, later moving to Europe with Barcelona, where he won the Copa Del Rey.

However, it was with Napoli where Maradona became a legendary figure, almost single-handedly leading the club to two Serie A titles.

His shirt was later retired by the Naples club, who view him as 'God'.

Image: PA

Maradona then turned out for Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys before finishing his club career back at Boca.

On the international stage, the pint-sized magician was Argentina's talisman as they won the World Cup in 1986 in Mexico.

He scored two of the most famous goals in football history just four minutes apart during the quarter final against England.

One was the classic 'Hand Of God' goal that was missed by the referee, before Maradona scored the most breathtaking solo goal and embarrassed the entire Three Lions' defence and goalkeeper Peter Shilton for the second.

He also had an unsuccessful but eventful stint in management, including taking charge of the Argentina national team in the 2010 World Cup.

Maradona was managing Argentine side Gimnasia Y Esgrima at the time of his passing.

According to Miguel Delaney from The Independent, Argentina are to enter three days of mourning following the heartbreaking news.

RIP to a footballing icon.

Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Diego Maradona, Argentina

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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