Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, who died at the age of 60, suffered a heart attack, a source from the Argentine Department of Justice who was present during the autopsy told CNN en Español on Wednesday.
Cause Of Death
The cause of death was “acute secondary edema of exacerbating chronic heart failure,” the source said.
Heart failure is an incurable condition that gradually damages the heart’s ability to pump blood. Fluid can build up in the lungs as a result – a condition known as pulmonary edema. It is a very common problem that can kill.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed Maradona’s death on Wednesday and sent a short message to social media.
Reactions And Condolences
“The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest condolences on the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. He will always be in our hearts,” he wrote on twitter.
Considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Maradona became a household name after promoting his country to the glory of the 1986 World Cup.
Controversial Yet Famous ‘Hand Of God’ Goal
He took the lead in the tournament by playing a memorable game against England where he scored a dignified goal which he later described as “The Hand of God.”
The famous best player jumped the goalkeeper Peter Shilton and threw the ball into the net. With the exception of open handball, the goal was allowed to rise because the referee did not see the error.
Later in the game he scored one of the best goals in history after weaving his way past seven English defenders.
His glamorous career was also marked by controversy, and his infamous lifestyle led to his becoming an alcoholic and addict.
Argetina Fans
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez announced three days of national mourning over the star’s death and sent a message to Maradona on Twitter.
“You have taken us to the highest level of the world. You have made us feel incredibly happy. You were the greatest. Thank you for your presence,” it reads.
Maradona will be laid to rest in Argentina’s presidential palace, Casa Rosada, according to a statement issued by Telam.
Fans took to the streets across Argentina and Naples on Wednesday in honor of their hero.
Meanwhile, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said a minute’s silence would be considered before all European matches this week in honor of Argentina.
“He will go down in history as a man who burned the ball and entertained young and old fans with his ingenuity and skill,” efefin said in a statement.
Maradona’s lawyer Matias Morla had previously told CNN that the star had died of a heart attack. Maradona’s family has authorized an autopsy to determine the cause and cause of death, according to a source close to the soccer star. The official results of the autopsy have not yet been released.
Life Outside The Ground
Maradona entered professional football with Boca Juniors but continued to play for leading European clubs such as Barcelona and Napoli.
He won two Serie A titles with the Italian side posting on Twitter “Forever. Goodbye Diego” and a blue heart.
When Maradona joined Napoli, one news correspondent said, “Italy’s poorest city is buying the most expensive player in the world.”
While his playing on the field was amazing, Maradona faced many demons in it.
During his time in Italy, he met Camorra – the Neapolitan Mafia – and fought addiction. He failed a drug test in 1991 and received a 15-month ban on the sport.
The roaming career followed his playing years, taking him from Argentina to Mexico and the United Arab Emirates. Most recently, he coached Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina.
Earlier this month, Maradona underwent successful surgery on an underground hematoma – commonly known as a blood clot in the brain.
Sad Day For The Football World
His Argentine teammate Lionel Messi, whom many see as Maradona’s modern day, said “this is a very sad day.”
“He’s leaving us but he’s not going anywhere because Diego is forever. I’m keeping all the good times I’ve been with and I wanted to send words of condolence to all his friends and family,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
Pelé, another legend of the game, wrote on Twitter: “I have lost a great friend and the world has lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God empower his family members. One day, I hope, we will play football together in heaven.”
Meanwhile, Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has said goodbye with “eternal talent.”
“One of the best. The incomparable sangoma. He is coming soon, but he leaves an infinite legacy and a space that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never forget,” Ronaldo wrote on Twitter.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called Maradona “very great” and said he “deserves our eternal thanks.”
“Our silence, our tears, our pain is the only thing we feel deep inside us at this moment,” he said.
Paris Saint-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappé changed his photo on Twitter to one of Maradona’s tweets and wrote on Twitter: “You will live on in football history forever. Thank you for all the joy you have given the world.”
Barcelona, one of Maradona’s former clubs, also tweeted: “Thank you for everything, Diego.”
While his influence on soccer will never be forgotten, Maradona skipped the game.
A Vatican spokesman said Pope Francis “looks back with love at the reunion years ago and remembers him in prayer, as he has done in recent days since hearing about his condition.”
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