Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has died of a heart attack at age 60, his lawyer has confirmed.
The former midfielder and national coach had recently battled health problems and underwent successful surgery earlier this month for a blood clot on his brain.
He suffered a heart attack at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Argentinian media and acquaintances of the former player said.
He famously captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, winning the Golden Ball as best player of the tournament.
The tournament also featured his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the quarter-finals.
Although his reputation was tarnished by drug problems, off-field indiscretions and an ill-fated spell in charge of the national team, he remained idolised in soccer-mad Argentina as the “Pibe de Oro” or “Golden Boy”
Hospitalised near death in 2000 and again in 2004 for heart problems blamed on cocaine, he later said he overcame the drug problem.
Cocaine, he once said famously, had proven to be his “toughest rival”.
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning after the news of Maradona’s death.
More to come.
