The first games in Argentina’s Primera Division since the death of Diego Maradona kicked off on Saturday amid tears and memories.
BUENOS AIRES – The first games in Argentina’s Primera Division since the death of Diego Maradona kicked off on Saturday amid tears and memories, with the club he last coached notching up a victory in tribute to the footballing genius.
Players from Racing and Union de Santa Fe entered the pitch at Avellaneda wearing national jerseys with Maradona’s number 10 on the back.
They warmed up to the sound of “Life is Life” – a song made wildly popular by an accompanying video of the Argentine great performing feats of magic with the ball.
Standing around the centre circle, they marked the legend’s passing with a minute’s applause.
A kite in the Argentine colours was released, in reference to the “Cosmic Kite” moniker given to the diminutive playmaker by commentator Victor Morales after his “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.
“He is a great one, it goes without saying,” said Racing midfielder Walter Montoya, unable to hold back tears during the tribute.
“There is no need to say anything else, all words are futile.”
Maradona’s last public appearance came four weeks ago for his 60th birthday celebration at the stadium of Gimnasia y Esgrima, the club he was coaching before he underwent an operation to remove a clot on his brain.
He died in his sleep on Wednesday aged just 60, plunging his South American homeland and football globally into mourning.
Gimnasia paid their own tribute to the star with a 1-0 victory over Velez in Buenos Aires in a later Saturday fixture.
Several Gimnasia players coached by the legend were also on the verge of tears before kick-off.
“It was crazy to play, because we are still reeling from this blow,” midfielder Victor Ayala said after the match.
“But we did what Diego taught us … For us, he was like a father, calling us whenever we needed something … From up there, he must be proud of this team.”
– AFP
