Argentina football legend Diego Maradona dies after suffering heart attack

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona, confirmed coach of Argentina's football team, leaves an hotel in Barcelona after a meeting with Barcelona's player Lionel Messi on November 6, 2008.

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona has died after suffering a heart attack in his home country.

The 60-year-old is said to have passed away at home this afternoon.

Maradona only turned 60 last week but suffered a torrid birthday as he had to be escorted from the sidelines as he watched Gimnasia, the Argentinian team he was manager of.

The former Barcelona star was taken for brain surgery but was reportedly on the mend.

Flocks of fans turned up at an Argentinian hospital in recent weeks to wish their hero well as he battled to survive.

They arrived with flags and banners, while they chanted his name in support.

Since leaving hospital, it is said the football icon had been in rehab for alcohol dependency.

"Diego has gone through maybe the most difficult moment of his life and I think it was a miracle that they found this bleeding in his brain that could have cost him his life," his lawyer said.

Football fans flocked to social media to mourn the news this afternoon.

"Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died. By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God," said Gary Lineker.

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford simply wrote: ”Legendary.” Alongside a broken heart emoji.

Jamie Carragher retweeted a message that read: "A footballing legend. An icon. Admired by millions. RIP, Diego."

His club Gimnasia y Esgrima also tweeted a picture of their club badge with a black ribbon.

Maradona is considered by many as the greatest football player in history.

He played for Barcelona and Napoli during his club career, winning two Serie A titles.

He also scored the World Cup's two most famous goals - both in the same match against England.

His 'Hand of God' is still talked about to this day, while his stunning run from inside his own half during the 1986 game has won many votes on the competition's greatest goal.

"You have to say that is magnificent. There is no doubt about that goal. That was just pure football genius," said BBC commentator Barry Davies at the time.

Maradona scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina, representing them in four World Cups.

Maradona was appointed head coach of the national team in 2008 but left after the 2010 World Cup after being knocked out by Germany in the quarter-finals.

He went on to manage club teams in the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.

Argentine President Fernandez has announced three days of national mourning following the death of Maradona.

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