Pope Francis describes the late Maradona as "the poet"

Pope Francis described the late Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, who was late on November 25 at the age of 60 due to health repercussions, as "the poet on the field", in an interview dedicated to sports published Saturday in the newspaper "Gazeta dello Sport".

The pontiff spoke about his fellow countryman who helped bring the Napoli team to the glory of Italian football and the Argentine national team to the 1986 World Cup title, "He was a great hero who brought happiness to millions of people in Argentina and Naples."

And "Jorge Mario Bergoglio", who met Maradona in 2014 in Rome during a match for peace, "was also a fragile man," referring to the health problems and troubles with drugs that accompanied the Argentine talent.

The 84-year-old head of the Catholic Church confirmed that he had prayed for the deceased and sent a rosary to his family, accompanied by words of condolence.

The Pope, who supports Argentine club San Lorenzo, spoke of the similarities between sport and his beliefs, criticizing "rich heroes" who have become "idle and almost bureaucratic in their sport."

"Personally, I think a little bit of hunger is the secret to never feeling full, to preserve this passion that dazzled them as children (athletes)."

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