Argentina's capital unveils its first Maradona statue X Notice Your privacy is important to us. We have updated our privacy pol...
X
Notice
Your privacy is important to us. We have updated our privacy policy to better explain how we use data on this site. Read it here
Sports Argentina's capital unveils its first Maradona statueJustin Smoak's $8M option exercised by Blue Jays

RECOMMENDED READING


BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Â Argentines celebrated the 58th birthday of Diego Maradona on Wednesday by unveiling a bronze statue of the soccer legend that recreates his goal against England that was voted the greatest of the 20th century.
Maradona's birthday was Oct. 30, but the unveiling was postponed a day due to rain. The statue is located near the Argentinos Juniors club stadium in Buenos Aires, where he made his career debut in 1976.
A decade later, Maradona captained Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and scored two of the most memorable goals in the game's history. The first was the "Hand of God" goal, in which the tiny Maradona jumped with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. The sleight of hand gave Argentina a 1-0 lead.
But the real magic came just minutes later when Maradona received the ball in his own half, ran through a pair of England players and sprinted toward the opposing goal. He then beat two more opponents, fought off another and faked Shilton before shooting the ball into the net.
Sculptor Jorge Martinez said that "goal that all Argentines shouted" was the inspiration for his Maradona statue.
"It was a milestone for Argentina's history," he said.
The 9-feet (2.8-meter) statue was placed in a terrace near a mural where Maradona is depicted wearing the red uniform of Argentinos Juniors. Maradona did not attend the unveiling ceremony. He has been coaching Mexican second-tier club Dorados de Sinaloa.
"Sculptures are usually made for the dead, and Diego is alive," said Alberto Perez, who heads the historical committee of La Paternal, the small Buenos Aires neighborhood where the statue is located.
"You need to pay homage when you're alive and everyone should know that his neighborhood will always remember him."
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/tag/apf-Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Tampa woman came back from vacation with a maggot in her groin Lawsuit: Husband drowned wife off Madeira Beach, framed it as accident Official: Mafia hit man who hates 'rats' suspected in Whitey Bulger's slaying Oops: State House candidate publishes opponentÂ's home address on mailer Tampa Bay, cradle of QB curses, should prepare for another haunting Break out the cold-weather gear. Company plans Florida's first snow park in Pasco County More headlines Latest Sports Older Articles »Justin Smoak's $8M option exercised by Blue Jays
First baseman Justin Smoak's $8 million option for 2019 has been exercised by the Blue Jays, who declined a $5.5 million option on infielder Yangervis Solarte Updated: 1 hour ago
Chargers' WR Allen productive despite lack of touchdowns
Chargers' WR Keenan Allen productive despite lack of touchdowns Updated: 1 hour ago
The Latest: Maryland's Loh: 'no choice' but to fire Durkin
Maryland President Wallace Loh says the negative reaction to DJ Durkin's return left him with no choice but to let the football coach go Updated: 1 hour agoCalgary 2026 Olympics bid survives on council motion
Calgary's potential bid for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympics survived a city council vote when a motion leading to the cancellation of an upcoming plebiscite failed to pass Updated: 2 hours ago
Jets rookie QB Darnold aims for improvement in next 8 games
After up-and-down first half, Jets rookie QB Sam Darnold aims for improvement over the final 8 games of the regular season Updated: 2 hours ago
Maryland fires coach DJ Durkin day after reinstatement
DJ Durkin has been fired as Maryland's football coach, one day after being reinstated by the school Updated: 2 hours agoAstros decline $15 million option on McCann's contract
The Houston Astros have declined their $15 million club option for 2019 on catcher Brian McCann Updated: 2 hours agoHibs coach Lennon struck by coin in Edinburgh derby
Hibernian coach Neil Lennon was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd in his team's 0-0 draw with Edinburgh rival Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday Updated: 2 hours ago
Real Madrid wins in 1st match after firing coach Lopetegui
Real Madrid begins life without Julen Lopetegui with a comfortable 4-0 win over third-division club Melilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday Updated: 2 hours ago
No comments