(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 12, 2010 Argentina’s coach Diego Maradona celebrates after Group B first round 2010 World Cup football (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / 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.