BUENOS AIRES, Nov 29, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The first games in Argentina’s
Primera Division since the death of Diego Maradona kicked off 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 kickoff.
“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.”