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BUENOS AIRES: Argentines will formally say goodbye on Thursday (November 26) to one of the country’s favorite sons, the great soccer player Diego Maradona, a beloved athlete whose life has been marred by struggles with addiction.
Maradona, who died at age 60 after a heart attack at his home on Wednesday, will remain in the pink-colored Casa Rosada presidential palace Thursday through Saturday.
Large crowds are expected to visit his coffin as part of the three days of national mourning declared by President Alberto Fernández.
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“His incomparable soccer ability made him one of the best known people in the world, crossing borders and being universally recognized as the best player in the world,” said the official duel decree.
A general view shows a mural by artist Jorit depicting Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, in Naples, Italy, on November 26, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS / Yara Nardi)
Great athletes and world leaders, including Argentine-born Pope Francis, have paid tribute to Maradona.
Tens of thousands of Argentines took to the streets Wednesday to mourn him, leaving flowers and messages at his childhood home and at the former Boca Juniors soccer club.
“Diego”, “Pelusa”, or simply “God” as Maradona was known, was revered in Argentina and had a long career that included leading the South American nation to World Cup glory in 1986.
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That tournament included a quarter-final match against England where Maradona scored two of the most well-known goals of the World Cup – an illicit “hand of God” goal and another that followed an incredible dribble.
People throw petals on a statue of the great Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona during a prayer meeting to pay tribute to Maradona, in Kolkata, on November 26, 2020 (Photo: REUTERS / Rupak De Chowdhuri)
Maradona battled various health problems over the years as a result of his addictions. Earlier this month, he was hospitalized for symptoms including anemia and dehydration and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma.
A 2005 television clip circulated in local media Wednesday in which Maradona shared what he would say at his own funeral.
“Thank you for having played soccer, because it is the sport that gave me the most joy, the most freedom,” said Maradona. “It’s like touching the sky with your hands. Thanks to the ball.”
