Diego Maradona dies at 60 following heart attack

AFP

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has passed away at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack.

He had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago.

Widely regarded as one of the game's greatest ever players, Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning after the former player's death.

Rising to stardom from a modest background, Maradona's was a rags-to-riches story in his country.

His pinnacle of glory came with the World Cup win in 1986 before plunging to misery when he was ousted from the 1994 World Cup for doping.

But he reinvented himself in a stunning comeback in 2008 as coach of the Argentina team, despite a lack of coaching experience.

Maradona previously held the position of honorary sports ambassador for the city of Dubai, and also had two coaching stints in the UAE, managing Al Wasl and Fujairah.

Italian club Napoli said the death of its former star was a 'devastating blow' for both the city and the club.

"We are in mourning," said club spokesman Nicola Lombardo. "We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out. We are in shock."

Maradona played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991, helping the club win its first Serie A league title.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Motor Mania

    10:00am - Noon

  • The Best of Dubai Eye 103.8

    Noon - 7:00pm

    Hear the highlights from the week gone by on Dubai Eye 103.8. Listen again to the best interviews, advice and the top stories that has gripped our conversation this week.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!