Napoli display a stunning statue of Diego Maradona featuring a GOLDEN left foot, as the Serie A table-toppers mark what would have been the legend’s 62nd birthday by thrashing Sassuolo to extend their lead
- Napoli have revealed a statue in tribute to Argentine club icon Diego Maradona
- The Italian side’s emotional tribute had a golden left foot to honour the forward
- The statue’s display came on what would have been Maradona’s 62nd birthday
- Napoli marked the occasion by thrashing Sassuolo 4-0 on Saturday afternoon
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Napoli have unveiled a statue with a golden left foot in honour of club legend Diego Maradona.
The Italian club made an emotional tribute on Saturday, one day before what would have been the 62nd birthday of the iconic Argentine forward, who passed away in November 2020.
And Luciano Spalletti’s side marked the occasion with a 4-0 thrashing of Sassuolo thanks to Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, named after their former star, to move further clear at the top of the table.
Napoli have unveiled a statue with a golden left foot in honour of club legend Diego Maradona
The iconic Argentine forward’s famous left foot was revealed in an emotional tribute to him
Football writer Sacha Pisani tweeted: ‘Fitting, that on what would’ve been Diego Maradona’s 62nd birthday, Napoli are putting on another masterclass. At this stage, it’s not surprising. But after the pre-game tribute, Diego would be proud.’
A giant banner of Maradona was placed on the pitch, with his image filling the screen in the stadium in southern Italy.
Maradona is afforded almost God-like status in Naples, where he helped lead the club to the most successful stint in their history, winning their first ever Serie A title in 1986-87, as well as the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italia and UEFA Cup trophies.
The club honoured him on Saturday, a day before what would have been his 62nd birthday
Luciano Spalletti’s side marked the occasion by thrashing Sassuolo 4-0 thanks to a hat-trick from forward Victor Osimhen (left) and a goal from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The diminutive former star, who won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina, also represented Boca Juniors and Barcelona in a glittering career.
After his death, Napoli promptly named their ground after him, retired his No 10 shirt and unveiled a statue – which the newer statue, first unveiled back in November 2021 and displayed again on Saturday, will join.
However, Maradona’s family announced legal action against his former manager Stefano Ceci in 2021, saying he wrongly gave the club permission to use Diego’s imagery on their kit.
Naples celebrated his birthday on Sunday in typically raucous style underneath his mural
Maradona’s son Diego Junior said at the time: ‘The shirt in honor of my father is a source of pride, but I regret Napoli’s lack of consideration. We, the rightful heirs, were never involved in this and we did not give the go-ahead for this operation.
‘Stefano Ceci, who was my father’s agent, gave permission. But this is a different situation and should directly involve family members. A contract that no longer exists was considered valid and therefore we will take legal action. It’s strange that a serious club like Napoli should have given this person credit.’
Spalletti has led his side to a new club record 12 consecutive wins, surpassing the 1986 team of Maradona, a run which sees them perched at the top of the Serie A standings, five points clear of Atalanta in second place.
