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Football Culture
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Written by James Bailey
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Born Diego Armando Maradona in a poverty stricken area of Argentina, the short, stocky, South-American rose to become one of the greatest ever football players.
From a young age all Maradona knew was football. Not content with running rings around boys his own age, he competed with older lads and soon landed a contract with nearby team Argentinios Juniors. From that point on Maradona grew into a world renowned superstar. His abilities on the pitch dazzling, his controversies off it intriguing. Playing for teams around the world including Napoli, Barcelona and Boca Juniors his popularity soared along with hefty sponsorship deals. His career arguably reached its pinnacle in the 1986 World Cup when he single handily won the trophy for a country that had suffered following the Falklands War. Despite his obvious talents, many will still question whether he deserves to be classed among the greatest players? A cheat who knocked England out with his hand, a player who repeatedly tested positive for drugs, why is he so popular? Well, no other player has ever meant so much to a nation or a city. In fact Maradona is regarded on par with God in both Naples and Argentina. Furthermore a Maradona religion has been founded with millions of members already signed up. His ability, desire and passion mixed with the excitement of watching him play delighted crowds and many across the globe. His quality and achievements are clear for all to see and in response to the numerous scandals – every genius has a flaw. From a humble background, Maradona showed the world anything is possible and inspired many a generation.
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