UAE pays tribute to footballing legend Maradona

AFP

Tributes are being paid in the UAE to the Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona.

The 60-year-old died following a heart attack on Wednesday at his home in Tigre near Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires.

His death comes two weeks after he underwent brain surgery.

Maradona was a former holder of the Dubai’s Honorary Ambassador of Sports title.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, offered his condolences to the star's family and loved ones.

Sheikh Mansoor added that Maradona "shared his talent with us here in the UAE".

Argentina has declared three days of national mourning to honour the death of the midfielder.

His body will lie in state at the Casa Rosada, the seat of the government in the capital.

Maradona was a former coach at the UAE's Al Wasl and Fujairah.

Both clubs have posted tributes to him, while the Arabian Gulf League described him as "footballing great".

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