Alan Shearer: “Diego Maradona was pure genius”

Coral ambassador pays tribute to the Argentinean legend who died last week

Alan Shearer, in his latest Coral video blog, has hailed Diego Maradona as one of the best players he has ever seen following the Argentine’s death.

Shearer has looked back on some of his memories of the former World Cup winner, including the ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ moments against England in 1986.

He began by discussing the ‘Hand of God’ moment: “Like the rest of the country, I was sat screaming at the TV that it was not a goal. There is no doubting his second in that game though. The way he picked the ball up at the halfway line, his close control, the balance and then the finish. I think that just summed up what Diego Maradona was. Everything about it was pure genius.

“The Hand of God goal was tough at the time to take, and for many years to come, but I have forgiven him for what he has given to the game and went on to achieve, not just for Argentina, but Napoli and Barcelona.

“Seeing some of the footage over the past few days just brought back some great memories. He could do almost anything as a footballer. He was one of, if not the best, the game has ever produced.

“Some people have asked: would he be as good now? There is no doubt he would. You only have to look at some of the tackles which were allowed back then, they were ridiculous! He got over them with his balance and toughness. For him to come through all that, and some of the pitches he played on, shows you good great he was.

“I was fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times. I think it’s clear to everyone, that he enjoyed his life in many different ways.”