Diego Maradona, dead at 60

(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 22, 1986 Argentine football star Diego Maradona, wearing a diamond earring, balances a soccer ball on his head as he walks off the practice field following the national selection's practice session in Mexico City. - Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020. (Photo by JORGE DURAN / AFP)

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60, his spokesman announced Wednesday.

Renowned along with Brazil’s Pele as one of the greatest footballers of all time, the Argentine World Cup winning captain died of a heart attack, having undergone brain surgery earlier this month, a member of his entourage told AFP.

President Alberto Fernandez immediately announced three days of national mourning in the South American country.

Shortly before the announcement that shocked a nation, Argentine media reported Maradona had suffered a serious health setback on Wednesday and was being treated by doctors at his home north of Buenos Aires.

“There are four ambulances at the door of the residence. They have summoned family members to come. It is serious,” the TyC Sports channel reported.

(FILES) Photo taken on June 29, 1986 Portrait of Argentina’s midfielder Diego Maradona in Mexico City before the start of the World Cup final between Argentina and West Germany. – Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020. (Photo by – / AFP)

© Agence France-Presse, via Sports Network Africa News

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