I have a father whose whole career was about soccer. That gave him the ability later in his life to make any subject in a conversion about soccer, oftentimes leaving you wondering how you were led down that path.
A week ago, the world lost Diego, the Maradona, a name that I got to know before I had a choice. A controversial person, I still became fascinated years later (way after his retirement from the soccer field) by him and his skills in passing, ball control, and dribbling and most of all making goals.
Napoli is a religious city. It doesn’t take much/long to notice that (see also here).
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To see images of Maradona sharing the same space that the Catholic figures take up on the city’s walls, it’s something else. For a city that witnessed his best 7 years in career and him that brought the first mainland Southern Italian team the league championship, Neapolitans’ love for Maradona is cultural, social and borderline religious.
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Because of the pandemic, I have not had as many conversations that ended on soccer with my father. We just celebrated his birthday for him with some home-made goodies. Maybe the next time we meet/talk, I’ll lead him onto the subject of soccer, and even talk about Maradona. :-)
What a superstar that he was on the field! I think at least me and my father can agree on this one. Adios, senor Maradona. Thanks for the great performances and for making those games exciting to watch and talk about years down the road!
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