Yuvraj, Lara, Akhtar, Beckham ’really sad’ about Maradona’s death

Maradona, who led Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on Wednesday due to cardio-respiratory arrest

Yuvraj, Lara, Akhtar, Beckham 'really sad' about Maradona's death

Pictures Courtesy/ Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara and Shoaib Akhtar's official Instagram accounts

The sports fraternity has come together in unison to mourn the loss of legendary Argentinean footballer Diego Maradona.

Maradona, who led Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on Wednesday due to cardio-respiratory arrest at his home in the Tigre district on the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires.

"The Hand of God, Maradona has left us. In 86, we both won our championships. They use to compare the two of us. He was one of my hero's and a friend. I respected him so much. He will be greatly missed," tweeted former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

The Hand of God, Maradona has left us. In 86 we both won our championships. They use to compare the two of us. He was one of my hero’s and a friend. I respected him so much. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/E5j6DSfJas
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) November 25, 2020

"Really sad to hear of the passing away of the legendary Maradona. He truly lived life king size & by his rules and set benchmarks on the field and off it too. RIP my friend. You will be missed," tweeted Yuvraj Singh.

Really sad to hear of the passing away of the legendary Maradona. He truly lived life king size & by his rules and set benchmarks on the field and off it too. RIP my friend. You will be missed
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 25, 2020

"One of the greatest icons of the game Diego Maradona passes away, a very sad day for world sports. Condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers," said VVS Laxman.

One of the greatest icons of the game Diego Maradona passes away, a very sad day for World sports. Condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers. pic.twitter.com/JGFtQJ0vDu
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 25, 2020

"Arguably one of the greatest sportsman of all time. Saddened to hear about the passing away of the great Diego Maradona. My heartfelt condolences to his family," said Virender Sehwag.

Arguably one of the greatest sportsman of all time. Saddened to hear about the passing away of the great Diego Maradona.
My heartfelt condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/L7ewMHOnnJ
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 25, 2020

David Beckham also took to Instagram to share his picture with Maradona and wrote: "A sad day for Argentina and a sad day for football as we celebrate the greatness of what this man gave us... Someone that played with passion, spirit and was nothing less than a pure genius... I was so excited to meet Diego and we will all miss him Rest in peace."

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A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)

Former Sri Lankan cricketer stars Kumar Sangakkara and Chaminda Vaas also paid respects to Maradona.

"Such a sad news of the passing of an icon and a legend. A man who defined an era and brought joy and inspiration to many millions around the world. Rest in peace Diego Maradona," tweeted Kumar Sangakkara.

Such sad news of the passing of an icon and a legend. A man who defined an era and brought joy and inspiration to many millions around the world. Rest In Peace Diego Maradona.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) November 25, 2020

"So sad to hear the passing of Diego Maradona and one of the greatest footballers. RIP LEGEND," wrote Chaminda Vaas.

So sad to hear the passing of Diego Maradona and one of the greatest footballers.
RIP LEGEND#diegomaradona
— Chaminda Vaas (@chaminda_vaas) November 25, 2020

"So sad to hear about legendary Diego Maradona passing away. Always been a huge inspiration for all sportsmen. His legacy will always stay," wrote former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar on the micro-blogging website.

So sad to hear about legendary Diego Maradona passing away. Always been a huge inspiration for all sportsmen. His legacy will always stay. #Maradona #Legend pic.twitter.com/t6ewLiVJP9
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 25, 2020

"I grew up watching football in the 80s and there was only one man that had me awestruck and that was the GREATEST Diego Maradona! Sad day for all of us hearing about your passing. Rest in Glory... you were the BEST! #goat," said Brian Lara in an Instagram post.

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A post shared by Brian Lara (@brianlaraofficial)

"The man has left us. His magic, madness and legend never will," tweeted Sunil Chhetri.

The man has left us. His magic, madness and legend never will. #Maradona pic.twitter.com/gQ2pYpfts7
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) November 26, 2020

"Not many in sport can say they inspired a generation ... But the greatest inspire many generations ... That's exactly what Diego Maradona did ... THE GREATEST ... RIPDiego," said Michael Vaughan.

Not many in Sport can say they inspired a generation ... But the greatest inspire many generations ... That’s exactly what #DiegoMaradona did ... THE GREATEST ... #RIPDiego
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 25, 2020

Maradona entered history books for his two famous goals against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final. While his second goal was later voted as "Goal of the Century", the other first and most talked about goal to date was named the "Hand of God", a reference to the fact that the goal should have been disallowed for handball.

Inputs from IANS