Football legend Diego Maradona dies aged 60

The legendary footballer Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60.

Maradona captained the Argentine national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico as he became of one of the greatest to ever play the game.

One of the goals on the way to winning the golden boot in the tournament was voted Goal of the Century in a public poll as he dribbled through five English players, as well as another renowned goal dubbed the ‘Hand of God’.

He also became an icon in club football, most famously at Napoli in Italy.

Off-the-field issues dominated the latter part of his playing days and his management career but his achievements on the field will forever be lauded.

His lawyer confirmed he died of a heart attack today at his home where he was recovering after undergoing surgery to repair a bleed in his brain earlier this month.

The Argentine Football Association said on Twitter: “The Argentine Football Association, through its president Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts.”

A minute’s silence will be observed ahead of tonight’s Champions League games and Thursday’s Europa League matches as a tribute to Maradona.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning.

Retired Brazilian legend Pele was among those who mourned the Argentine player.

“Certainly, one day we’ll kick a ball together in the sky above,” he said in a brief statement provided to by a representative.

One of the most gifted soccer players in history, Maradona’s pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986, before plunging to misery when he was kicked out the 1994 World Cup for doping.

Diego lived a life that was at times terrific and at times terrible, football lovers can now only hope he has found peace.