BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) – Argentine football is preparing for a weekend of celebrations to mark the birthday of the late football star, Diego Maradona. Matches across the country have been suspended and clubs and fans are dressed to remind them of the controversial superstar.

The former Boca Juniors, Naples and Barcelona player died of a heart attack on November 20 last year. His death was widely mourned in Argentina, who won the 1986 World Cup.

“Today, 61 years after his birth, his memory is more than ever,” writes the Argentine Football Association (AFA), “Because Diego is eternal.”

AFA goes out to the field in all ProClub, players wearing T-shirts with a picture of Maradona on the front, and the team captain wearing a blue and white armband (Argentine national colour) with his silhouette on it. I’m telling you to wear it.
All games, including amateur and children games, are told to pause after 10 minutes and give a minute of applause.

The association hopes that 1000 games will be affected across South America and asked fans to take pictures and upload them using the hashtag # 1000PartidosPorEl10 or “1000Matches for the10”.

“Diego is in the hearts of all Argentines,” he said. “Do not miss it.”

The first compliment took place on Friday night in the league, with a star photo on a sign outside the stadium.

A drone with a replica of Maradona’s No. 10 Argentine shirt jumped over the stadium and Racing lost to Defensei Justicia at home.

The song, recorded in honour of Maradona, was performed with fans cheering and singing.