Goodbye forever, Diego

Diego's left us. One of the best footballers ever has left us. And I had the great honour of spending two season in the same dressing room as him at FC Barcelona. He arrived at the club very young, perhaps too young. He was 21, but 21 then wasn't the same as 21 now. He probably lacked the maturity needed to take on the role of leader, the role he later assumed with Napoli and the Argentina national team. 

We couldn't fully enjoy his biggest virtues as a player, above all his ability with the ball -- or even an orange -- at his feet. He could and should have marked an era at Barça. But he didn't. He didn't because of the bad luck of suffering an injury in his first season and because of an illness in his second year. Those two things kept him away from the pitch for too long. And he didn't mark an era because someone allowed him to escape for Italian football for a few million euros.  

Match-going Barça fans at Camp Nou were perhaps not able to see his complete genius as a footballer, then, but those of that had the fortune of training with him every day were left in awe of his quality. We had no doubts that we were alongside the best players in the world at the time. 

He was one more in the dressing room, too: close, warm and humble with everyone, no diva-like behaviour, although obviously he was closer with some players than others. For example, he got on better with Lobo, Marcos, Clos, Migueli and Julio Alberto. That happens with all of us, but, I repeat, his behaviour was exquisite with each and every member of the squad. 

I want to remember him as that young kid sat next to me on the bus on the way to the airport, heading to Pappendal for pre-season. Unassuming, frightened, introverted and anxious. He had only been in Barcelona a few days but he already missed his home and his people back in Argentina. He needed them to be happy. 

Perhaps he erred or those around him did, maybe he steered off his path or was led astray, but that does not interest me. What interests me is Diego the footballer. And he was the No.1. Argentina cries and will keep on crying, because a footballer never hooked so many people and so many fans. For that reason, DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA is DIOS.

It was an enormous pleasure to share a dressing with you, Diego. Rest In Peace.