The death of Diego Maradona on Wednesday at the age of 60 caused great emotion in Argentina, where the former player remained an icon, despite his extra-sporting excesses.
Several gatherings were scheduled for Wednesday evening.
REPORTAGE
The emotion was strong, Wednesday, in Argentina, after the sudden announcement of the death of Diego Maradona, at the age of 60 years.
While the government has announced three days of national mourning in the country in tribute to the greatest icon of Argentine sport, in the streets of the country, where several gatherings were planned in the evening, the inhabitants are in shock.
LIVE -
Maradona is dead, Argentina and the world of mourning
Because in Argentina, the memory of the legendary goals of this outstanding dribbler, or his victory at the 1986 World Cup, is still alive, just like his exploits with Boca Juniors, his favorite club in Buenos Aires.
"I can't believe it, it's incredible (...) In the end, everyone is mortal. I'm digesting it, I feel like it's a bad dream", s moved Francisco Salaverry, an Argentinian fan interviewed by AFP.
"Part of Argentina has died"
In the streets of the capital, reigns an unusual silence, caused by the shock.
But many residents have planned to pay homage to "Pibe de 0ro".
Thousands of people are thus expected, in particular at the Obelisk, in the city center, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
READ ALSO -
Diego Maradona, a football genius in five acts
On social networks, many Internet users have also gone there to pay homage to the man many Argentines nicknamed "Dios".
And if some people recall the scandals that have punctuated Maradona's career, it is above all affection that dominates.
"Part of Argentina has died today", we can read in particular.