The passing of the greatest footballer in my lifetime.

I recall an early season game playing for Kimberley Town against Sutton United in the Midland League. Early in the second half, chasing a long ‘punt’ up field, I was well offside as I closed in on the penalty area. Offside ‘boomed’ the Sutton defence. The goalie stopped running out, so I nonchalantly went to head it back to him, but I completely missed it, and quick as a flash just punched it back to him. Only problem was, I caught it with a straight right-hander and it flew past the ‘keeps’ into the back of the net. He didn’t make any attempt to stop it, and just sarcastically snarled at me ‘thanks mate’.

As I turned to walk back I saw the ref pointing to the centre spot –he had awarded a goal. Amazingly no one could believe it. Not only was I miles offside, but I’d got away with handling the ball too.

I kept a straight face as I walked back past the referee, then along with everyone else we all just burst out laughing - it was just so funny. I confess, I thought about owning up until I looked over and saw our Manager Des Beresford giving me that ‘keep your bloody mouth shut’ glare – so I did. Everyone was in complete disbelief. It was hilarious – well we all thought so, and to rub it in – it was the only goal in the game!

In my playing years I must have seen at least a dozen hands punching balls into goals, most were penalised for handball, but there have been a few that have got away with it.

None, not even Thierry Henry’s goal against the Rep of Ireland, created anything like the fuss though that Maradona’s goal caused when playing against England, followed by his legendary retort – ‘It Was the hand of God’. It was shortly after the Falklands War, and the memories on both sides were still very raw. The Argentinians were desperate to win, a second defeat for them was unthinkable. I have often thought if the situation was reversed, how would we have reacted. Well, we all know the answer to that one too!

Maradona was in my humble opinion simply ‘the greatest player of all time’. He was undoubtedly one of the most skilful players of all time, and 'single handedly' won the World Cup for Argentina in 1986.  I’ve never seen any player achieve such a monumental fete. He was literally the star of head and shoulders above any player at that World Cup, and winning it helped bring much needed pride back in the country.

It is on record that Diego's boyhood 'footballing hero,' who he wanted to emulate when growing up, was another all time great - the late great George Best. Ironically George died 15 years ago,on the 25th November 2005. Diego Maradona’s sad death was announced today 25th November 2020. RIP - the Greatest.

More Maradona Blogs to follow.