NAPOLI paid a touching tribute to Diego Maradona forward of their Europa League conflict with Rijeka on Thursday.
The legendary former footballer died at the age of 60 on Wednesday from a suspected heart attack.
Maradona led Napoli to two Serie A titles and one UEFA Cup throughout his seven seasons on the membership, scoring 115 objectives in 259 video games.
And the Italians paid a becoming tribute to one among Naples’ best-loved sons.
Earlier than kick-off, star participant Lorenzo Insigne laid flowers exterior the San Paolo stadium – which is about to be renamed after Maradona.
The icon’s image was beamed onto big screens inside the sector.
And the Napoli gamers all wore Maradona’s legendary No10 shirt as they held a minute of silence earlier than kick-off.
Napoli additionally posted an emotional assertion on-line, saying that town will love Maradona ‘without end’.
Upon listening to the unhappy information yesterday, fans poured onto the streets of Naples in tears.
The Italian membership now plans to rename its San Paolo stadium after Maradona.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis mentioned: “We will think about the thought of calling our stadium San Paolo-Diego Armando Maradona.”
Naples Mayor Luigi De Magistris added: “We’re already placing it collectively this morning, taking the primary steps to dedicate Naples’ stadium to Maradona.
“It’s a course of however it will likely be a fast course of, as a result of when there may be such a robust want there’s nothing that can maintain us up.
“We’re hoping to make it coincide with the resumption of video games with followers.”
Former Napoli star and Chelsea vice-captain Jorginho added: “Maradona was a hero for all of us who love soccer.
“What he did on the pitch was unbelievable. It’s one thing that nobody can ever neglect as a result of he made the historical past of soccer.
“I used to be fortunate to satisfy him as soon as in Naples. I took an image with him and I’ll always remember that day. I feel those that met him will always remember, who noticed what he did on the pitch will always remember.
“At present is a tragic day as a result of it’s a large loss and I battle to consider it occurred. What he did for Naples, everybody simply loves him a lot for it, I felt that.
“I have to say thanks for what he did for soccer. He made us dream. Each child who watched his expertise and what he did on the pitch, each fan, everybody liked and can love him without end for what he did on the pitch.
“I’m unhappy right now about what occurred, I’ve and I’ll all the time have an enormous respect for Maradona. Thanks Diego, relaxation in peace.”
