When Argentina President Alberto Fernandez announced three days of national mourning following the demise of Maradona, he posted a photograph of himself on Twitter hugging the football legend. "You took us to the highest place in the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thanks for existing, Diego. We are going to miss you for the rest of our lives," his accompanying tweet said.
Although Maradona's reputation was tarnished by his addictions and an ill-fated spell in charge of the national team, he remained idolised in football-mad Argentina as the "Pibe de Oro'' or "Golden Boy.'' The world was in mourning, and the tributes kept pouring in. Footballers, world leaders and fans of the beautiful game were united in one thought: Diego! Cyberspace was agog. Here are some highlights.
Gary Linekar, the former England striker, fondly remembered the time he played in the same team as Maradona.
SSC Napoli, the club in which Maradona spent seven years of his life, left a heartwarming message on Twitter. It said, "The world awaits our words but there are no words to describe the pain we're going through. Now is the time to grieve. Diego"
FC Barcelona, another club which was graced by the presence of Maradona, posted a simple message on Twitter which said, "Thank you for everything, Diego" with a picture of the legend. Maradona played for the Catalunyan club for two seasons, having signed on the summer of 1982. However, he left for Napoli two years later.
Fabrizio Romano, the famous football journalist, posted a picture of Maradona's home ground La Bombonera that showed the whole stadium in total darkness with only one light- from the suite reserved for Maradona- shining through.
Buenos Aires. La Bombonera tonight. Total darkness but with the only light: Diego Armando Maradona’s “palco”. The only one. His place into his stadium.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 26, 2020✨ #Diego pic.twitter.com/TSIeIH2HCo
Arsenal, the club Maradona was all set to sign for in the 90s before the league committee moved in to block the move, posted a picture of the Argentine legend flanked by two of the club's great- Thierry Henry and Robert Pires on either side with the message, "One of the greatest to play the game. An inspiration across the world. A huge loss to the football family. RIP, Diego."
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to the deceased Argentine star on Thursday. He said, "Diego Maradona was a maestro of football, who enjoyed global popularity. Throughout his career, he gave us some of the best sporting moments on the football field. His untimely demise has saddened us all. May his soul rest in peace." he said in a post in Twitter.
Sachin Tendulkar posted a picture of the great with the message, "Football and the world of sports has lost one of its greatest players today. Rest in Peace Diego Maradona! You shall be missed."
