AFTER the passing of an iconic sporting figure, Diego Maradona, the foot-balling community continues to lend its support to the Argentine people. Recently, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, sent condolences to the Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia, via email.

The letter read: “On behalf of the Guyana Football Federation and our passionate football community, I am moved to write to you to express my sincerest condolences following the shock news that the beautiful game has lost one of its greatest artists – Diego Maradona.

As the global football community mourns together, we stand in solidarity with our Argentinian brothers and sisters to remember the life of a true legend of football – a mercurial genius who touched so many lives with his supernatural talent and unforgettable style.

I was fortunate enough to meet Diego during the 2017 FIFA Congress. His warmth and compassion stood out, along with his strong love for the game and the football family. It was a personal highlight for me as a lifelong football fan and someone who continues to play even during my tenue as the GFF president. In Diego’s presence, everyone is an adoring fan.
Watching Diego grace the field inspired generations of players and fans. He towered above the game of football. His legacy will live on. All those moments of magic will never be forgotten.
While football has sadly lost one of its great sons this week, we know that his exploits will continue to inspire us even if he will never be replaced or surpassed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Argentine people”.

The former Argentine striker who celebrated his birthday on October 30, had a 21-year senior career which spanned from 1976 to 1997, before he became a manager of several clubs between 1994 to the time of his passing.
Maradona was a 4-time World Cup player who captained his team to glory in 1986 in Mexico against a formidable West Germany team.

His first World Cup in 1982 saw his team, the defending champions, not progressing as expected due to internal tension. In 1990, he captained his side to a WC final against West Germany once more, but his performance was plagued by an injury, which saw the opposing team lift the title.

In 1994, he played only two World Cup matches before the Argentine side were eliminated in the round of 16. His last goal scored for his country was against Greece while the following match against Nigeria which they won 2-1 was his last game.

Following his exploits Maradona published his autobiography, ‘El Diego: The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Footballer’. The first biography published by Jimmy Burns was ‘Maradona: The Hand of God’.