Napoli considering renaming San Paolo stadium after Diego Maradona following death as mayor says: ‘Naples loves you’
Napoli are considering renaming the San Paolo Stadium in tribute of the late Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday at the age of 60 after going into cardiac arrest.
The Argentina great had been recovering at home from brain surgery at the start of the month after having a blood clot removed. He left hospital on 12 November 10 days after being admitted, but doctors said that he was suffering illness from “abstinence” following the withdrawal of alcohol.
He died suddenly at his home in Tigres, north of Buenos Aires, triggering a wave of emotion and an outpouring of heartfelt condolences over the loss of one of football’s all-time greats.
While Maradona is best known for his performances in the blue and white of Argentina - having led his country to three consecutive World Cups including the 1986 triumph - Maradona also remains fondly remembered for his time in Italy with Napoli.
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Maradona joined the Naples-based side from Barcelona after a difficult spell in Spain following his world-record £5m move from Boca Juniors, but found a home away from home in Italy as he helped Napoli to two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia success and a Uefa Cup.
Having cemented his status as arguably the greatest player in Napoli history, Maradona moved on from the club in 1991, but his reputation remains one of God-status at the club.
As a result, president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed following his tragic death that the clb will discuss renaming their famous stadium in his honour, combining its current title with his full iconic name.
“We can consider the idea of calling our stadium San Paolo-Diego Armando Maradona,” De Laurentiis told French sports channel RMC Sport.
The mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris, backed the suggestion, and added: "Diego Armando Maradona is dead, the most immense footballer of all time. Diego made our people dream, he redeemed Naples with his genius. In 2017 he became an honorary citizen. Diego, Neapolitan and Argentine, you gave us joy and happiness. Naples loves you."
Hundreds of Napoli fans have gathered on the streets of the city near the Maradona mural, painted on the side of a building in the San Giovanni a Teduccio quarter of Naples, while others have taken to the streets to light candles and stand in silence in tribute to him.
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