Former football stars – Roger Milla of Cameroon, Liberia’s George Weah, and Nwankwo Kanu of Nigeria – have paid glowing tributes to late Argentina’s forward, Diego Maradona.
Weah, who is the current President of Liberia, in a Twitter message described the 60-year-old as a “legend and icon” whose “extraordinary story inspired millions”.
He said,”We have lost a legend and an icon. This is a very sad day for the football world.
“On behalf of the government and people of Liberia and in my own name, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family, the people of Argentina and all lovers of the beautiful game on the death of the Great Diego Maradona.
“His extraordinary story as a kid who unshackled himself from the yoke of poverty and used his mastery of football to bring joy, inspired millions.
“May his soul rest in perpetual peace.”
Milla said he only shed a tear “because for Diego, you don’t need to cry your eyes out. A tear says it all.”
“For me he was an example for the youth. He was an example for Argentine football, and I think I’m just lost for words. He was one of the greatest football players, one of the greatest,” he added.
Former Nigeria and Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu tweeted that Maradona’s “memory will live on forever”.
Former Zambian player and coach Kalusha Bwalya thanked Maradona for the “many wonderful memories”.