Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona passes away, says report

Matias Morla, Maradona's longtime agent, confirmed to EFE the news, reported ESPN UK.

He had underwent brain surgery recently and was released on Nov. 11.

Maradona left hospital just eight days after being admitted for emergency brain surgery.

Shortly before the announcement that shocked the world, 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.

Regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and by many as the greatest ever, Maradona was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award.

He scored a total of 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, representing the country in four World Cups.

Maradona led his country to the 1990 final in Italy, where they were beaten by West Germany, before captaining them again in the United States in 1994.

However, he was sent home after failing a drugs test for ephedrine.

He retired from professional football in 1997 on his 37th birthday during his second stint at Argentine giants Boca Juniors.

He has briefly managed two sides in Argentina during his playing career.

Maradona was appointed head coach of the national team in 2008 and left after the 2010 World Cup, where his side were beaten by Germany in the quarter-finals.

Reactions and tributes:

In a statement on social media, the Argentine Football Association expressed "its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend", adding: "You will always be in our hearts."

Declaring three days of national mourning, Alberto Fernandez, the president of Argentina, said: "You took us to the top of the world. You made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of them all.

"Thank you for having existed, Diego. We're going to miss you all our lives."

Brazil football legend Pele paid his tributes to Maradona, issuing a brief statement which read: "One day we'll kick a ball together in the sky above."

Brazilian football player Neymar paid his tributes on Instagram sharing one of his images with Mardona.

English soccer player Harry Kane also shared his memory with Maradona while lamenting the news of his death.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar joined the world players in condoling the death of the legendary soccer player.

Former Jamaican sprinter Usain St Leo Bolt took to Twitter to post his condolence while sharing his images with Maradona.

Barcelona was the first club outside of Argentina that Maradona played for. He scored 22 goals in 36 appearances between 1982 and 1984. Following the news, the Club tweeted:

Former India captain and current President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly paid an emotional tribute on Twitter.