I've been sitting, contemplating whether or not I'd write this. I didn't think I'd have the words or the ability to write something worthwhile, something that he was deserving of. On the 25th November, a legend left us. Revered as a God, the most human one we've ever witnessed. Diego Maradona was a man who meant so much more than just his talent with a football. Not only to me but to the world.
I didn't live through Maradona's playing career. I was born in '97. Growing up, the narrative in England was to hate Diego Maradona because of him being a 'cheat' following the Hand of God. If you showed any love for the Argentinian, then it was borderline treason. I opposed this. Here we have a man that has an aura about him that I don't think any other sporting person ever has. An aura that, whenever he was photographed it was almost as if he belonged in a Renaissance painting.
This piece is a letter from myself to the world on why I had such a strong attachment to Diego. I feel strongly towards Diego because he came from nothing, only blessed with the talent God gave him and took on a whole establishment to win the Scudetto (twice) with Napoli. It's the effect he had one the world, held in God-like regard and worshipped in homes across Buenos Aires and Naples. He was symbolic. A symbol of hope and light in a time when people needed it most. A boy from the slums of Argentina enthroned with a talent that helped him rise to become the greatest footballer in history.
He had his flaws. He lived with them throughout his career, acknowledging them and showing his hand to the world where others most likely would not. A celestial figure that was more human than most. We all have flaws, we all live with them and we all look to learn from them. Maradona portrayed his flaws to the world. A lifetime filled with corrupted voices on each shoulder that were manipulating a man from cocaine to crime. He was a troubled being but one that turned football into art. The fact such art can blossom from some of the dark places Diego found himself in speaks volumes of who he was and shaped how much impact he'd have on the planet.
To me, Diego Maradona gave me something to love in a game I've fallen out with. Elitism in football is taking its toll. It's driving me away from a game I once adored. Reflecting and studying Diego Maradona gave me a purpose in football and an attachment to it. The most fascinating man, with the most captivating career. He was enchanting.
Symbolism is vital in Maradona's story. His essence is very much alike Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's. The ambience surrounding Maradona is significant in the wider narrative of what he means to the world. I saw Maradona as more than the player, as a symbol of hope that there is still beauty left in football as did many. I look to him with a desire for the magic and character to once again return to the game. Just like Che, Maradona's face will be symbolic for the rest of time. He will live on through his legacy as one that came from nothing, stuck it to the system and fought for the people.
The symbolic importance of Maradona was something that will live on after his death. His career, and life, have been a romantic tale of triumph, anguish and sincere affection. As Lionel Messi said, Diego is eternal. Diego Maradona might have died physically but he lives on through his greatness and his legacy is yet to be complete. Death and Diego are two incompatible concepts, meaning his spirit will live forever. A legend, not just in sporting history, but in world history.
Thank you, Dios.
1960 - 2020
Rest in peace.
