What They Said About Diego Maradona

The news that on Sunday Diego Maradona had been admitted to hospital in Buenos Aires for heart and breathing difficulties prompted a premature outpouring of grief in Argentina. Maradona, who captained Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning side, is regarded almost as a cross between Robin Hood and Superman in his home country.

"The Gauchito Gil is a venerated figure to the whole country," said Diario Hoy, "but the messages of support are resonating around the world." Diario Hoy was particularly impressed that the Spanish sports newspaper Sport de Barcelona had asked Fifa to find Maradona "a place within the world of football that might help him to live".

Maradona remains closely associated with his first club, Boca Juniors, and when they played at their Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, all eyes were on the VIP box where he usually sits, reported Clarín. "It didn't seem real, but the seat of Diego Armando Maradona was empty. Even so, nobody could forget him at the Bombonera. Absolutely no one. 'God will cure another god. Diego we love you,' was one of the prayers on a flag in the stands before the game."

La Nación felt his absence just as keenly. "The box is empty, closed," it said. "Our beloved idol is not there with his Maradona gestures, the same ones that have prompted the adoration that fills the air every time he is there. The Bombonera stadium is rocked with memories, as surely as if he were down there playing in the blue and yellow shirt."

In the newspaper El Litoral, based in Maradona's home province of Corrientes, Jorge Carlos Brinsek reflected on the events."The news that 'El Diego' had been admitted to hospital spread with the speed of lightning," he said.

Brinsek noted that TV and radio stations had begun broadcasting highlights of his career, including the great goal he scored against England in the 1986 World Cup. Fans chanted his name in the streets and motorists hooted their horns in support. "How happy he made us on the field and how much pain he is giving us now in his fight for life," said Brinsek. "Once again, 'El Diego' has the attention of everyone, whether you love him or hate him."