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Writer's pictureEliott Hu

Andre Villas-Boas suggests crazy way to pay tribute to Diego Maradona

Since the tragic death of Diego Maradona on Wednesday, the football world has come together to pay tribute to his life and mourn his death. Marseille manager, Andre Villas-Boas, seems to have gone above and beyond.



He is suggesting that FIFA retire the No.10 jersey, clubs and nations should no longer assign the shirt number to players in order to pay respects to the Argentine icon.


“Maradona, yes it is tough news," he told reporters after his side lost to Porto in the Champions League. "I would like FIFA to retire the No.10 shirt in all competitions, for all teams. It would be the best homage we could do for him. He is an incredible loss for the world of football.”


Maradona wore No.10 for most of his career he captained the national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup. He also wore this for Napoli, Barcelona and Boca Juniors. The number 10 is heavily associated with his career, though I do think that retiring it would be a step too far.


However, Napoli, where he spent his prime, will be renaming their stadium in honor of el pibe de oro, along with retiring his shirt number. This was confirmed by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter. (link below)


Pep Guardiola also came forward to pay respects after his side triumphed against, Greek side, Olympiacos, in the Champions League yesterday night. Saying: “There was a banner in Argentina one year ago that I read, that said: ‘No matter what you have done with your life Diego, what matters is what you have done for our lives.’


“He gave a lot of joy and he made football better. What he did for Napoli and for Argentina in 1986 was something unbelievable. Rest in peace and on behalf of Manchester City a big hug for all his family.”

Though never perfect, Maradona had an incredible will to win. Who can forget Maradona against England in 1986, he scored the infamous “hand of god” and then, minutes later, beat half the England squad to score the goal of the century. This man could change games in mere minutes. His soul will forever be immortalized in the sport, even if FIFA do not retire all No.10 shirts as per Andre Villas-Boas' request.

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