Diego Maradona: a legend in his own words 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Diego Armando Maradona has passed away aged 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday, the 20th of November 2020 at his Buenos Aires home.

One of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, Maradona was captain when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, scoring the famous 'Hand of God' goal against England in the quarter-finals.

“Scoring those goals, against that opponent, turned Maradona almost into a deity in the eyes of some of his compatriots - with disastrous consequences. Living the aftermath was not easy” writes BBC’s Tim Vickery. “Without the discipline of football, the second half of his life was a chaotic affair.”

The football icon who played for Barcelona and Napoli during his club career, winning two Serie A titles with the Italian side, started his career with Argentinos Juniors. His path to glory was huge and controversial. 

A true hero in Argentina and beyond, Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for his country, representing Argentina in four World Cups.

During the second half of his career, Maradona struggled with cocaine addiction and was banned for 15 months after testing positive for the drug in 1991. He eventually retired from professional football in 1997.

“According to Argentine legend, Diego Maradona emerged from the womb on Oct. 30, 1960, kicking” writes the Washington Post’s Liz Clarke. “If so, it was surely with his left foot — the one seemingly touched by God; the one that scored the bulk of his 258 career goals and helped deliver the 1986 World Cup to Argentina with a performance as brilliant and controversial as his life.”

The fifth of eight children raised by Diego Sr. and Doña Tota, Maradona grew up in a poor household and lived as a true legend. He received his first soccer ball as a gift at age 3 and quickly became devoted to the game in which he seemed to find his peace. 

“Maradona himself always saw soccer as his salvation, his deliverance” notes NYT’s Rory Smith. “In 2005, in a brief phase as a television personality, he was asked what he might like to offer up as an epitaph. ‘Thanks to soccer,” he said. “It is the sport that gives me the greatest joy, the greatest freedom. It is like touching the sky with your hands. Thanks to the ball.’”

A human and a God alike, this is Diego Armando Maradona in his own words. 

“The goal was scored a little bit with the head of Diego and a little with the hand of God.”

“No matter what happens, and no matter who is in charge, the number 10 shirt will always be mine.”

“Football doesn’t bother me but what surrounds it does. It bothers me that there are directors who work harder for a photo opportunity than for the club.”

“If (Pele) is Beethoven, I am the Ron Wood, Keith Richards and Bono of football all rolled into one. Because I was the passionate side of football.”

“Soccer is the most beautiful and healthy sport in the world. Soccer shouldn’t have to pay for my mistakes. It’s not the ball’s fault.”

“Poverty is bad, it’s difficult, I knew it well. It would be nice if there were more justice - if those who have a lot had a little less, and those who have a little had a little more.”

“To see the ball, to run after it, makes me the happiest man in the world.”

“I am Maradona, who makes goals, who makes mistakes. I can take it all, I have shoulders big enough to fight with everybody.” 

“I am black or white, I'll never be grey in my life.” 

“Suck it, and keep sucking it!” 

“I went into the Vatican and saw that golden roof. And I said to myself how could somebody be such a son of bitch as to live with a golden roof and then go to poor countries and kiss children with a full belly?”

“My mother thinks I am the best. And I was raised to always believe what my mother tells me.”

“There would be no debate about who was the best footballer the world had ever seen - me or Pele. Everyone would say me.”

“God makes me play well. That is why I always make the sign of the cross when I walk out onto the field. I feel I would be betraying Him if I didn't.”

“I am Maradona, who makes goals, who makes mistakes. I can take it all, I have shoulders big enough to fight with everybody.”

“I am black or white, I'll never be grey in my life.”

“If you don't want to play clean football then go up into the stands”

“When you win, you don't get carried away. But if you go step by step, with confidence, you can go far.”

“To see the ball, to run after it, makes me the happiest man in the world.”

“The Lord helps those who help themselves.”

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