Diego Maradona Dead At Age 60: Argentina Football Legend Among Greatest To Play The Game

Diego Maradona, considered one of soccer's greatest players, died Wednesday after long struggles with drug abuse and obesity. He was 60.

Maradona’s lawyer said the Argentine legend died of a heart attack at his home. Maradona recently underwent brain surgery to remove a blood clot and was released from the hospital on Nov. 11.

"The Argentine Football Association, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona," the Argentina Football Association announced.

"You will always be in our hearts."

The association posted a picture of Maradona kissing the World Cup trophy, with a message saying “Goodbye, Diego. You will #Eternal in every heart of the soccer planet.”

Maradona led Argentina to a 1986 World Cup title and excelled with clubs Barcelona and Napoli. He is remembered by many for two goals scored against England in the quarterfinals. One was the "Hand of God goal" in which he illegally used his fist to punch the ball into the goal. The other came four minutes later when his memorable run through five defenders starting beyond the midfield line was dubbed the "Goal of the Century."

Off the field, Maradona struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. In 1991, he was suspended from all football activities for violating the league's drug policy and was thrown out of the 1994 World Cup for failing a drug test.

Maradona also suffered from severe weight gain and in 2005 was forced to have his stomach stapled.

He also had a history of heart problems. In 1999, 2000, and 2004, the football legend was rushed to the hospital for severe heart and respiratory problems. On one of those occasions, Maradona was placed on a respirator to help with his breathing issues.

Maradona was also an outspoken player who in retirement became known for his antics. In 2008, he sent a signed jersey to an Italian tennis player as an apology for heckling him during a match.

He was also known for his politics. He spoke highly of former Venezuela President Hugo Chavez and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and also protested President George W. Bush's presence in Argentina, wearing a t-shirt that read "STOP BUSH."

Maradona, who divorced his wife in 2004, is survived by two daughters and one son.