Football legend Maradona passes on aged 60

Football legend Diego Maradona, who is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players, has died of a heart attack aged 60.

The Argentine forward – notorious for his infamous “hand of god” goal against England – died at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

His death comes two weeks after surgery following a bleed on the brain.

Maradona – who turned 60 last month – has suffered a long battle with his health forcing him to make numerous trips to hospital in recent months.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning in honour of the star, who was a cultural icon and national hero.

UEFA has also announced there will be a minute of silence before tonight’s games in the Champions League.

Maradona himself dubbed his infamous 1986 goal the “hand of god” – as he lunged forward and knocked the ball into the back of England’s net in a clear handball.

But during the same game he also scored what is widely considered to be one of the best goals of all time.

The legend dribbled from inside his own half, leaving the England side in his wake, before slotting the ball past Peter Shilton.

It became known as the “goal of the century”.

Gary Lineker, who played in the England side beaten by Maradona in 86, tweeted: “By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.

“After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God.”

One of the most gifted football players in history, Maradona’s pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986.

His career then hit a low point as plunging he was kicked out the 1994 World Cup for doping.

Years of drug use, overeating and alcoholism brought an end to his stellar career – and left him almost dying of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000.

The No. 10 he wore on his jersey became synonymous with him, as it also had with Pele, the Brazilian great with whom Maradona was regularly paired as the best of all time.

And Pele was among those who mourned the the legendary player.

“I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky,” he said.