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Massimo Sambucetti / Associated Press
The Naples city council voted Friday to change the name of the Stadio San Paolo, home of the Italian soccer club Napoli, to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in honor of the legendary Argentine striker who died on November 25 at the age of 60.
Maradona played for the Azzurri from 1984 to 1991, which helped lead the club to five trophies, including a pair of Serie A titles. Reuters reported that the city council approved the resolution tabled by the mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris, after the death of the superstar.
Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis spoke to Sky Sports Italia about their long-term effort to secure the name change, according to Reuters:
“I have been in talks with the local authorities for the last 17 years. I have always asked to buy the stadium and change the name to ‘Diego Armando Maradona’.
“If then, by tradition, we need to call him both ‘San Paolo’ and ‘Maradona’ so be it. It won’t change much, but it’s only fair that Maradona has this recognition. Even if we had to build a completely new stadium, I would call it that.
“His years here remain indelible in the memory of the people of Naples, symbol of a coveted redemption and a longed-for resurrection.”
Maradona was one of the most well-known figures in the sport thanks to his talent, his success at the club level and his leading Argentina to a World Cup title in 1986, as well as his larger-than-life personality.
Napoli are scheduled to host their first game at the newly renamed stadium next Thursday (December 10) when they face the Spanish team. Real society in a Europa League game.
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