Liverpool admirer and football legend Diego Maradona passes away
Diego Maradona had a special connection with Liverpool.
One of football’s greatest ever, Diego Maradona, has passed away. His legacy will live on forever. A man who single-handedly turned games around, drove defences crazy, and most notably established his country, Argentina, as a footballing force to be reckoned with.
The man who held a special connection with Liverpool is now no more. His relationship with the club started at the extraordinary Reds comeback against AC Milan at Istanbul in 2005. The Echo reported his amazement at the passion of the fans.
"He said: “The Liverpool supporters didn’t let me go to sleep the night before, there were 10 of them to every three Milan supporters.”“They showed their unconditional support at half-time when they were losing 3-0 and still they didn’t stop singing.”"
He famously referred to Liverpool as his choice of team in England after Steven Gerrard led Liverpool to the famous 3-3 comeback in one of the greatest Champions League finals in history
Diego Maradona’s first visit to Anfield was in 2010, in Liverpool’s second-leg tie against Lille in the Last 16 of the UEFA Europa League. The Reds won the game 3-1 with Maradona watching on from the Stadium Director’s box.
His bond with Liverpool deepened via the marvels of Jurgen Klopp. The German manager has taken the club to levels which Kopites hadn’t seen for a while, and Maradona wasn’t ignorant of this. The Daily Star reported Maradona’s appreciation for Klopp.
"He said:”I love what he conveys, the type that gives me confidence. Before at Dortmund and now in the Premier League. Klopp is always going forward.”"
Maradona turned 60 at the end of October 2020. His birthday also saw him share a special moment with former Liverpool striker, Ian Rush. Rush posted a picture with Maradona wishing him well, and Maradona was quick to reply with his kind words as spotted by fourfourtwo.
"In a comment on Rush’s post, Maradona said, “I would have loved to play by your side. We would have made an unstoppable tandem. Thank you very very much Ian. All my respect and admiration for you my friend!!! Btw I love these pictures.”"
Diego Maradona was one of a kind, a player that truly shook the footballing world. Out of respect for the legend, Liverpool and Atalanta will observe a one-minute silence in tonight’s game in the group stage of the Champions League at Anfield.
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Rest in peace Diego, you will forever remain in the hearts of Kopites across the globe.