Diego Maradona: Thousands of people visited the Argentine legend

In Argentina, three days of national mourning have begun after Maradona, the national hero, died at age 60 of a heart attack on Wednesday.

Some cried, others blew kisses on their hands and prayed as they approached his spirit in the Casa Rosada.

One million people are expected to visit it.

Officials rushed to install door lock wiring and other measures to try to slow the spread of the corona virus as large crowds gather in Plaza de Mayo, Capital Square on Thursday night. Private.

Late at night, a sea of ​​people dressed in T-shirts with the Argentine logo gathered in the streets across the country to mourn the departure of Maradona and remember his life and career.

Maradona, one of the best footballers of all time who played for clubs like Barcelona and Napoli, was captain when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, with the famous goal known as “La Mano de Dios” against England in the quarterfinals. .

Former Tottenham midfielder Ossie Ardiles, who played with Maradona at the 1982 World Cup, said Maradona was “holy” in Argentina, in Naples and around the world.

The former Argentine attacking and technical midfielder died at his home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires.

Argentia media said preliminary test results showed Maradona had “acute heart failure.”

He had a successful surgery when he had a brain clot in early November and had to be treated for alcoholism.

The last person to see Maradona alive was his nephew Johnny Esposito, according to authorities.

Maradona’s death caused a wave of pain in Argentina and around the world.

At 22:00 on Wednesday (01:00 GMT), a time chosen to match his jersey number, Argentina’s stadiums turn on their headlights in tribute to Maradona.

Fans flocked to La Bombonera, Boca Juniors stadium in Buenos Aires, where many cried.

Thousands of miles away in Italy, fans also gather in front of Napoli’s San Paolo stadium, which is lit up to commemorate the player who has scored 81 goals in 188 appearances for the club.

Fireworks blaze across the sky as people below, dressed in Maradona T-shirts and even Maradona masks, scream and cry.

There is a minute of silence before Wednesday’s Champions League matches and all other European matches this week will be the same.

Katy watson, South American Correspondent BBC

Maradona is not only an Argentine athlete, he is also an icon, a political geek and of course a cute rogue. There is deep sadness when people honor their superstar footballer.

But his influence went far beyond Argentina: South Americans are proud of their soccer heritage and that sad news spread throughout the region.

In neighboring Brazil, where Pelé competed for the title of best player in the world, news of Maradona’s death was on the cover; Much of the rivalry between the two countries could involve two players, they say. like the passion for beautiful sports here.

But the competition was pushed aside when Pelé greeted Maradona as a close friend. “Someday, I hope, we will be comparing shoes in heaven,” Pele said.

Former Argentina teammate Ardiles said today’s soccer superstars “can’t even dream” are admired as much as Maradona.

“Maradona will be remembered as a football genius,” Ardiles told the BBC. “You can see the extraordinary interest it generates.”

When news of Maradona’s death was announced, Argentine striker and Barcelona player Lionel Messi expressed his condolences and wrote on social media: “He said goodbye to us but he will never leave us for Diego’s sake.” It is immortal “.

Former England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who played in England defeated by Argentina in the 1986 World Cup, said Maradona was “the best player of my generation. And possibly the greatest of all. times “.

In a statement on social networks, the Argentine Football Federation expressed “the deepest sadness for the death of our legend,” adding: “You will always be in our hearts.”