Controversial Argentine former football manager and national figure, Diego Maradona, has had a turbulent journey since his infamous 'Hand of God' unpenalised hand-ball against England in the 1986 World Cup's quarter-final. Revered as FIFA's 'player of the century', Maradona has rarely been out of the sports world spotlight, but have 'dirty' tactics continued to contribute to his success?
Diego Maradona was a great player
Maradona's managerial role, appointed in 2008, saw him continue on in a strategist capacity. As well as being a team player with impeccable ball control and a dangerous left-footed free kick taker, the former footballer was renowned for his foresight and ability to seemingly plan the opponents next move. Controversy, however, was never far away and after he fired a compressed air-rifle at media reporters that he believed were 'invading his privacy', further disappointment ensued and a different kind of firing blighted the football star as he was twice sacked as club manager for local teams.
Diego Maradona's reign as national coach ended after the 2010 World Cup. Since this contract expired, he has not shied away from the media and has had the privilege of having a London tube station named after him. Along with other players, managers and coaches, Maradona featured as one of the 367 stations that were named differently throughout the month of October 2013.
Diego Maradona has certainly let himself go
The national treasure also received the accolade of having a day named after him; 'Maradona Day' was celebrated on October 17th and Diego was invited to Rome by Armando Maradona, head of the 'Gazzetta dello sport', to head their namesake. His appearance mustered up much enthusiasm by avid and loyal fans. Controversial yes, yet Diego Maradona remains a figurehead of sport, continuing to make public appearances all over the world and will never pass up an opportunity to have a kick-about and impart his technical knowledge on a willing participant.
Diego Maradona is a football great
