Fact that Maradona was close friend of Cuba and Castro is "testament to his anti-imperialist stance": CM Vijayan condoles demise of football great

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday condoled the demise of football legend Diego Maradona, saying that Argentine's goal in the 1986 World Cup was the most beautiful and effective goal the world has ever seen and will stay that way for a long time.

Maradona passed away on Wednesday of a heart attack at the age of 60.

In his condolences message, Vijayan said that the people of Kerala along with football fans all over the world are mourning the passing away of the legendary footballer Maradona.

"Football is the most beautiful game in the world. Maradona was the most popular football star. I think outside Argentina Maradona has so many fans in Kerala. That great player has been in the minds of football fans in Kerala since Argentina lifted the 1986 World Cup. Whenever the World Cup takes place in any corner of the world, his pictures are most often seen in this small state of Kerala," he said in his condolence message.

"Maradona's goal in the 1986 World Cup, beating five Englishmen and the famous goalkeeper Peter Shilton, was the most beautiful and effective goal the world has ever seen. It will stay that way for a long time. Although Argentina is a major player in world football, it was Maradona who brought that country to the pinnacle of football," he added.

Chief Minister said that the fact that Maradona was a close friend of Cuba and Fidel Castro is a "testament to his anti-imperialist stance". "That great footballer has always stood bravely on the side of the Socialists," he said.