Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, dies aged 60

Football legend Diego Maradona has died. The sixty year old Argentinian passed away on Wednesday from a heart attack, long considered one of sport's Greatest Players Maradona famously led his team to victory in the 1986 World Cup once described as the goal of a century. David Stokes looks back on his life.

He infamously referred to a hand of God, and the unique gift to Diego Armando Maradona appeared to come from a higher force, born in 1960, and raised in a shanty town on the outskirts of monasteries, he became their national hero and a global football superstar his impact in club football meant he was playing for his country as a teenager, a prolific creator and score goals.

Just 1.65 metres tall stocky and powerful his skill and balance made it unstoppable. The 1986 World Cup was his time Maradona the player, the man encapsulated in an unforgettable quarter final against England. Firstly, what he was to call the hand of God, punching the ball into the net, then a second goal of scarcely believable quality to many, the greatest individual goal in World Cup history Maradona's Argentina, went on to lift that World Cup in Mexico, a good team made great by one player that four years later, they lost the trophy, as West Germany gained revenge in the final. But Maradona was thriving in club football in Europe for Barcelona in the early 80s, then Napoli and Italy, We took to their first ever Italian titles and where he is still treated as a favourite son of the field there was turbulence. He was addicted to cocaine and was banned from both club and international football for failed drugs tests, one of which ended his 1994 World Cup in 2004. He spent time in intensive care after a heart attack and his weight fluctuate during battles with addiction.

He had two daughters through his marriage that ended in divorce and a son born outside the marriage as well, Diego Jr. The People's Choice managed his country at the 2010 World Cup, he defied many critics until the quarterfinal defeat against Germany again.

He did in an ounce of club management as well. In 2018, he took over the Mexican Second Division club Darius, but it wasn't long before you return to Argentina to lead top flight to give nausea delicata. In true marathoner style, he stepped down after only two months in charge, only to rejoin again. Two days later, his last public appearance was in a game on his 60th birthday, where he appeared frail and left at half time.

A few days later, he was admitted to hospital, initially with anaemia and dehydration, but things quickly escalated, and he needed surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. The operation went well, but less than two weeks later, he died of a heart attack. Diego Maradona is the greatest ever footballer is open to debate, but his incredible talent and contribution to the game's history, make him a phenomenon.

Rest In Peace Legend