Rummenigge: One of the greatest footballers in history

The world of football is mourning the death of Diego Maradona, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60. The attacking midfielder was regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. Maradona won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina, beating a West Germany team captained by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 3-2.

The FC Bayern CEO said: “The passing of Diego Maradona sees one of the greatest footballers in history leave us. FC Bayern is in mourning alongside his relatives, his homeland Argentina and all his fans. I had the honour of playing against him, for three years in Serie A and with the national team in the 1986 World Cup final. I’m proud to have been able to experience him up close on the pitch. Diego Maradona won everything there is to win, as well as the hearts of everyone who loves the beauty of football.”

President Herbert Hainer: “Anyone who saw Diego Maradona play had to be fascinated. His genius on the ball is still outstanding today. FC Bayern and the footballing world mourn the loss of one of the greatest in history.”

Board member Oliver Kahn: “We were all shocked when this news came through. He was the greatest player of his time, a genius on the pitch. I met him several times and he was always a very affectionate person.”

Maradona won the UEFA Cup in 1989 with Napoli, having beaten Bayern in the semi-finals. The man tasked with marking Maradona in those games was Hansi Flick. “It’s very sad that he’s died so early. He was the best player in the world in his day. He was so incredibly relaxed. For example, his warm-up to music was an absolute highlight. He was a true artist and a great football player,” said the current FCB head coach.

Maradona once donned the Red of Bayern for Lothar Matthäus’ testimonial match at the Olympiastadion in 2000. He delighted fans even during the warm-up. Maradona will never be forgotten with his unique genius on the pitch.