Diego Maradona death: Argentine government declares three days national mourning

Diego Maradona death: Argentine government declares three days national mourning

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona

The Argentine government on Thursday declared three days of mourning for the demise of legendary footballer Diego Maradona. Moreover, the country’s president Alberto Fernandez confirmed that Maradona’s funeral will be held at the government house.

“On the occasion of the death of Diego Armando Maradona, the president of the nation will decree three days of national mourning,” the country’s government said via TyC Sports.

Arguably football’s greatest ever player, Maradona took his last breath at the age of 60 after a suspected heart attack. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the same on Wednesday.

FS Video

Also Read | “One day we will play football together in heaven” Brazil legend Pele pays tribute to Diego Maradona

Argentina and Napoli great Maradona was discharged from hospital a fortnight ago following brain surgery. The World Cup winner got admitted to hospital due to concerns over anaemia and dehydration.

Difficult to bear this horrible news: Alberto Fernandez

Diego Maradona and Alberto Fernandez
Diego Maradona and Alberto Fernandez

Argentine president Alberto Fernandez looked in complete shock after coming across this saddening news. He recalled how the country is synonymous to one person, Maradona all over the world.

“It is horrible news,” Fernandez said midweek. “It is difficult to bear, it is someone who has so much to do with the Argentine identity.

“Wherever in the world, you go you say that you are from Argentina and they say ‘Ah, Maradona’. It is like a synonym for Argentina. I spoke with Claudia [Diego’s ex-wife, mother of Dalma and Gianinna] and I made myself available to do things the way the family wants to be done.

“When I thought about the idea of opening the Casa Rosada for Diego it was because he presented to the people the 1986 World Cup from these balconies. He greeted the people when we lost the final in 1990. I want all the Argentinians who want to say goodbye to him to do so; he deserves it.

“We have to organise ourselves because we must not forget that we are in a pandemic. We are trying to do it in a moderately airy place of the government house, so that the millions of Argentinians who want to present their respects to Diego, could do it.”

Also Read | The Iconic moments of Diego Maradona’s Career