Gary Lineker's brilliant, heartfelt tribute to Diego Maradona

A heartfelt tribute from Gary Lineker to the one and only Diego Maradona, including a lovely story that sums up the Argentine's true genius.
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[@jkjkjkjkjk537]

"What Zidane could do with a football, Maradona could do with an orange" -Michel platini Rip great man 🙏🙏

[@AFC4PF]

Not disrespect but Messi is the best argentine

[@raycroal]

@@AFC4PF bullshit hype

[@JoFirpo100]

@@AFC4PF The best Argentine is D.A.Maradona Messi is the best to Barca

[@GM_FtblA]

Jesus walks on water Diego swims on land

[@Casini1]

@@AFC4PF historic facts demonstrated that Maradona was much better than Messi.

[@djsteves554]

The skill that Linekers talking about him doing in the centre circle is just ridiculous. RIP Diego

[@CKD3332]

Yes I don't think people understand how good that actually is. It's like impossible nearly to do that.

[@ryanmurphy4748]

I seen a video of him doing that. Not 13 times, probably not the same incident, but yeah, the skill level was insane.

[@mdc8764]

Just laughed for about 5 mins straight

[@mdc8764]

MICHAEL'S FACES THO "IT IS"

[@BaconPizza]

@@mdc8764 hahahaha Owen is calling him out as a liar lol

[@momeara7482]

"I've never seen anyone have such a beautiful affection with a football" - What a great tribute by Gary Lineker for Diego Maradona.

[@timmonden4150]

Great words indeed ❤

[@w1gg5]

I was at the game at Wembley Gary mentions. I remember the crowd booed every time maradona touched the ball. My dad just said "these idiots don't know greatness when they see it"

[@klauskjeldsen2536]

Yes - I just saw the highlights from that game at Wembley and was thinking the same as your dad...Booing again and again on the best player of the world in a friendly was just so improper and respectless. English soccer crowds can sometimes be real jerks. Wise words from your Dad though.

[@lestrem11]

He was a drug addled, woman beating piece of shitehawk.

[@donramonramirez5141]

Es FÚTBOL, caballeros ... Lo mismo le ocurrió a Messi ( a MESSI ) en el PSG ... Razón, la " hinchada " tiene ... Diego los dejo fuera del mundial en el '86 .. Messi les quitó la 3° estrella a los franceses ... Por supuesto que van a abuchearlos ... Esas cosas no se olvidan fácilmente, y los jugadores saben que " es así " ... 🤷🇦🇷

[@massimilianobergamaschi7434]

Was in 1987 football League vs rest of the world match?

[@CTTTTT]

Nothing great about a cheat.

[@MaskedAvenger13]

“If I was in a white outfit at a wedding and a muddy ball arrived... I would stop it with the chest, without thinking about it." - Maradona

[@mcfcguvnors]

great quote

[@S2000Y]

If it looked like a chocolate he would have eaten it.

[@jz_editz4]

@@S2000Y stfu

[@disobeytoday4685]

"If I were at a wedding in a brown outfit and a white ball arrived, I would have snorted it up my nose without thinking about it" - Diego Maradona

[@tsekubbaloyan2100]

The quote goes "... and a muddy ball WAS THROWN AT ME I would stop it with my chest....

[@El_Diego86]

I’m from Argentina and my Dad named me after Maradona! My Dad passed away in January very bad year for me! At least I know my Dad can finally meet Maradona in Heaven! ❤️

[@marklint5271]

My daughter born in 83 is named after him. And i am an englishman. Tough for a while after the 86 incident :o)

[@jblamango3197]

Thats true, The Notorious

[@straightfromkickoff8712]

@@warrenbentley2314 I'm from England but we need more respect for the best player to ever kick a football CMON ENGLAND SHOW MORE RESPECT! 😂

[@straightfromkickoff8712]

@@marklint5271 😂

[@MrClayJohn]

@@warrenbentley2314 have a day off mate, 86 was 34 years ago.

[@georgemcdougall7260]

Massive respect for Gary for admitting this even though it ruined England’s World Cup..

[@pabloalarroyo]

Absolutely right!! and in the context of an England v Argentina so soon after the south Atlantic dispute, Lineker is a proper gentleman and this Argentinian very much values his sincere words and obvious respect for his fellow pro.

[@donramonramirez5141]

​@@pabloalarroyoSi señor, Gary es un GENTLEMAN ... Y vino aquí a conocer al Gordo Y el mismo Lineker " protesto " cuando chiflan a Messi en el PSG, después del Campeonato del Mundo '22 ... Y protesto por silbidos a jugadores argentinos en Inglaterra ... ¿ Podemos pedir más ? 👌👌👌🇦🇷🇬🇧

[@mattg8431]

What Diego did in 1986 World Cup will never be repeated. The Greatest Performance Ever

[@proudmoroccan8164]

Diego Maradona is the greatest player in history. He is way better than Messi and the rest.

[@gazof-the-north5708]

I agree. Obviously, as an Englishman I didnt like the Hand of God, but his 2nd goal against England was the GOAT. Mexico 86 was *HIS* world cup and Argentina deserved to win it that year.

[@proudmoroccan8164]

@@gazof-the-north5708 What Diego did in 1986 World Cup and later with his team Napoli in Italy is unprecedented. He played with no referee protection and produced the best football in history.

[@bud1876]

He is.. in my mind ... the greatest player there has ever been and ever will be. There will eventually be other players come along who are similar to Messi and Ronaldo.... but no one will ever emulate what Diego could and did do.

[@cweeks4504]

Score by punching a ball in the back of the net? Lol. Idc how good he was. He was a horrible person and a cheat

[@forwardslash1486]

Great tribute Gary, love how the younger pundits are asking questions on him and in awh of his ability.

[@mrm4xim4m]

And WHOLEHEARTEDLY encouraging him to open up! Very Touching to see how enthralled he was to relay the moments he’d spent with such a titan of the game

[@rashidkhalid3970]

Gary is a good honest man

[@Onlinesully]

Rashid Khalid maybe

[@nickcockayne7880]

@@rashidkhalid3970 I don’t think his ex wife would agree

[@pingu8666]

Scripted.

[@AJ-cc3kz]

Micheal Owen seems like a little boy with a sparkle in his eye listening to stories of the legend.

[@charliebwa]

Michael one one of the greatest strikes of all time I put him next to Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl Easily OWEN its on eof the players next to Diego who made dream about football and he respect Diego

[@twangbarfly]

And that goal he scored against Argentina in St Etienne in the 98 World Cup...

[@emmanuelrobert208]

@@twangbarfly Plus the ability to dive.

[@twangbarfly]

@@emmanuelrobert208 Thanks for the useless non-sequitur....

[@emmanuelrobert208]

@@twangbarfly Truth hurts..

[@temibusari4848]

Great tribute. No bitterness, no jibes. Just pure respect to a dead human being.

[@anamsiko4144]

True,unlike these keyboard warriors who always spew bile on social media even though they never kicked a football.

[@clivescantlebury9719]

That's modest

[@temibusari4848]

@@CidersAndReligiousCrusades Exactly and that even makes him extra special. He owned his action & never made excuses. A true Legend of the game. How many ever owned up to diving to win a penalty?

[@elingrome5853]

gary saves his vitriol for his own countymen

[@christiangarau7647]

And especially reminding him as a footballer before than just a man

[@user-gj8iq7bu1u]

Gary Lineker is a great gentlemen. And great sportsman also. Only a good man can pay such generous tribute to Diego.

[@user-gj8iq7bu1u]

@@dlmdee Of course! Diego is the greatest player ever! But there are not lot of people which have such beautiful words for a great opponent and which are ready to tell the truth the way Gary does..

[@darraghfarrell2245]

incredible player, he played with such joy , passion and enthusiasm that's why people loved him so much.

[@Gonkawonga]

and bravery adacity

[@pearlcooper4863]

He also played with his fists

[@zuhairkhan21]

@@pearlcooper4863 get over it mate. Understand the fact that he is dead and just appreciate the quality of player he was and not based on one moment in his career

[@priteshpatel1312]

@@pearlcooper4863 Lol. Many english players dive too

[@abdirisakawes6544]

Ikr

[@Simko3426]

We were in Berlin waiting for a game one time when Carlos Bilardo, the Argentina manager, insisted on the need to perfect our technique. As he was never a man to stop short of obsession, he kept repeating that an Argentinian player should live life with the ball permanently at his feet “morning, afternoon, evening and night”. He repeated it day after day, until one day Maradona came out of his room juggling the ball, took a lift juggling the ball, arrived in the dining room juggling the ball, sat down and, without letting it drop, began to nibble at the bread on the table. Bilardo came in, saw him and a smile stretched across his face, proud to be proven right. “See?” he said, “that’s why he’s Maradona.” Every time I told that story it made me smile; today, it comes to me wrapped in sadness." Jorge Valdano

[@click8708]

What a man.

[@bullymaguire9100]

Valdano and burruchaga were beasts too alongside maradona

[@basbouwman5139]

D10s

[@patsyparisi2620]

@Federico Giuliano english mugs matey

[@kastor5847]

D10S!

[@peterthe3rdbanks287]

Diego Maradona was the best football player I've ever witnessed playing football in my 45 years on earth 40 of those watching football.. He was a genius and gave millions around the world joy. I'm Scottish and my wife is from Argentina. It was our mutual love for Maradona that initially got us talking.. R. I. P Diego 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇦🇷

[@theblackestvoid]

I think Diego would have smiled if he heard this story. Much love Peter.

[@stevengruber57]

That's great 👍

[@fusionz0722]

Beautiful story that I’m sure Diego would’ve loved 🙏🏽

[@sakarbik7535]

That's great! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷♥️⚽✔️

[@Rob-pz5dw]

Viva Scotland!!!

[@bzdasgupta]

Gary Linekar is such a wonderful orator.. he made us visualize the goal so wonderfully..

[@timmonden4150]

Wel said

[@abc-rf8gi]

Incredibly classy from Gary, really admire his lack of bitterness towards Maradona.

[@blackmantis3130]

Why would he be bitter

[@Onlinesully]

Tollah Tv ferkah was wondering that

[@iganpparamarta8813]

@@blackmantis3130 probably referring to the hand goal in 86. I once saw a video on KZbin of an England player from that world cup how he is still affected by the hand ball goal. He admired the second goal though. sorry couldn’t remember his name

[@angelestorres6334]

Like he himself acknowldges (and probably the majority of that english side), "he was unplayable" in Mexico86.

[@burlhorse61]

why would he be bitter?-hate this hand of god bs that gets talked about all the time

[@CKD3332]

The thing Gary mentioned about him hitting the ball, on the half way line goes against the laws of physics. Messi is up there, but Maradona had the presence of a legendary Greek mythological God.

[@GM_FtblA]

Agreed Messi is just a level below maradona and pele imo they are the two goats

[@chrisj1612]

In terms of talent Messi is up there with Maradona but what Diego had and what Messi lacks is the leader mentality and ability to carry a team that is not necessarily tailored to have massive success(World Cup 1986, Napoli 86/87 Serie A title). Imagine Maradona being as professional as CR7.. He could have been the Michael Jordan of football. Still a legend and what a figure. R.i.P

[@djsteves554]

@@chrisj1612 going off talent alone he is the Michael Jordan of football

[@julesword3412]

@@chrisj1612 Jordan is no where near as good in that kind of comparison

[@oktayyilmaz5134]

@@chrisj1612 Maradona's tecnique was better..

[@LeeThompson-pu6xf]

Coming from an Englishman. Maradona was simply the greatest footballer that's ever lived.

[@jb894]

Cuck

[@lestrem11]

Not even close to Pele and a gentleman too.

[@paulmclaughlin8038]

Simply the best player the world will ever see. Forget the stats and the numbers, the guy was poetry in motion. No-one will ever come close to performing the miracles Maradona did on a football pitch. I thank my lucky stars that I grew up during his era.

[@sfonylx]

I agree. It's like the sport of football was made for someone like him to come along. Such grace with the ball cannot be replicated.

[@hawkesey1161]

That was class from Gary.

[@rh1786]

Very much so

[@briandoyle6188]

Bullshit..

[@beniteztheconman]

@@briandoyle6188 hahaha so funny ... brexit peasants are hilarious.

[@lucio4488]

what a classy man lineker is, thanks for your kind words from argentina

[@Howiehow]

No lineka isn’t classy, just a woke duplicitous hypocrite

[@BrianGriffen71]

@@Howiehow Lol. I found one! How's that Brexit malarky going then? Lol

[@ab8jeh]

@@Howiehow get back to your flat Earth lol

[@bibtebo]

@@Howiehow Bringing politics to a place of respect for a dead man smh

[@Howiehow]

@@bibtebo Doesn’t alter what the man is, taking in a illegal immigrant to show the world how nice he is, then within days he’s gone leaving a beautiful hand written letter with perfect grammar saying how great mr ears is, point is who knows the level of sincerity or maybe just another media opportunity and maybe paid a fortune too

[@Essexkiwi]

As an ex pat Englishman, I hold NO bitterness towards Diego for the so called hand of god goal. He was by far the best player of my generation, a joy to watch, and he will be missed by many followers of Football, globally.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

As an Englishman, I do hold bitterness. The fact he's remembered so well for that cheating is the karma he deserved.

[@projectneich4415]

​@@TonyEnglandUK he's only known for that in England lol. There's a world outside your country, my friend, and Maradona is knows for his skills.

[@ElvarMasson]

@@projectneich4415 That is not true

[@michaelbenner4735]

More than a week now and it's still Killing me. So sorry. From Germany: deepest respect to a great footballing nation and the best ever. 🇦🇷🇩🇪

[@44aske]

Yes Michael (Jackson) Benner

[@marcushalberstram3364]

@Rehaan 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆🤣🤣🤣🤣u compare pendu with Mara do na 🤣🤣🤣😝😝😝😝

[@cond.oriano4945]

@@marcushalberstram3364 rehaan think stepovers are skillful enough to level maradona what a clown, if he said that cr7 comes close to maradona he would get beat up or either get made fun of everyday if he said that to any argentine in Argentina

[@everythinggaming7938]

Maradona did not warm up, he was born ready for football. R.I.P

[@kbonh22]

His warmups were more entertaining than most players careers.

[@user-pz8hw8rs7b]

True

[@joelmacinnes2391]

He just showed off instead of warming up

[@brendanseenan9736]

Lineker speaks so beautifully and eloquently, with poised passion, and does a fantastic job of demonstrating reverence to the talent of Maradona. Big up.

[@mercuryrising4323]

Lineker also may a crass tweet about Diego now being in the hands of God. Such irreverence was disappointing and disrespectful

[@KevinSmith-wp9qs]

@@mercuryrising4323 The tweet was an excellent play on words, was heartfelt to the core, and was certainly not crass. Anyone watching this can see how Lineker felt about Maradona.

[@garycoates4603]

@@mercuryrising4323 To who? Diego or God?

[@dantemarotta356]

No one is like Maradona and hopefully we can win the scudetto this year. Forza Napoli

[@timearth5287]

Gary loves football like Diego did . Beutifull tribute .

[@Mirpuria]

Watched Gary a lot on TV over the years, cleary raised with good values, seems nice and cultured.

[@benedictmalesoena5491]

Mate so are his Sons I had the privilege of meeting them on a night out they took me in as a part of them. I enjoyed the days I've spent with the Linker boys

[@kbonh22]

Brother's a bellend though.

[@00shakz12]

Like the flag ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@harryirving3795]

Something about the way Gary lineker talks - such a classy man - great tribute

[@SteveBownMusic]

😂😂😂😂

[@earlanbyron5885]

The expression on Michael Owens face says it all soo amazed of the brilliance an skill of the great Diego Maradona....rest well saint Diego

[@KeremKyn]

Rest easy Maradona 🙏🏼

[@UncleRuckus7]

RIP, to a real legend 💔.........

[@kingindanorth0072]

Gary has to be one of the best presenters in recent times. Dude is so good at what he does. RIP Maradona. One of the best players ever

[@infantvenus5654]

Yh Gary nearly made me tear up

[@moneysandhu4183]

Yeh man a local Leicester lad that makes me proud aswel ❤️

[@shaungoldsmith1634]

I think he's just basically a good egg and that comes across

[@bazoutofhell8293]

He should be for the amount he gets paid is ridiculous, having said that He is in a different league in presenting to John Barnes, anyone remember how bad he was?

[@C345OFR]

Great striker, above-average presenter (nothing more) but unfortunately I increasingly get the impression he likes the sound of his own voice.

[@MrPakired]

Gary Lineker is a very British Gentleman....I love UK because there are people like him...Thanks!

[@sarkaniemi]

Beautiful words by Gary Lineker as a tribute to Diego Maradona. They were great competitors, but now afterwards Lineker recognizes him as one of the greatest players of all time and pays him respect. That is worth respect. Hats off to Gary Lineker. Rest in peace Diego Armando Maradona.

[@Aguz25]

That Maradona's signature trick Lineker describes is almost impossible without running 5-10 metres when the ball is falling down, except for Diego. Diego was the most skilled played ever, an artist.

[@davidchamberlain5425]

Love to have seen him do it on a windy day 😉..haha

[@burakkk]

it didn't seem difficult to me, till i tried. i can juggle hundreds times, but Maradona's way, i couldn't even make the 2nd hit

[@davidchamberlain5425]

In your opinion !.Pele is the the greatest all round footballer ever!..his record speaks for itself!....

[@HerbaL1st]

@@davidchamberlain5425 dont be stupid they played with boots and a metal ball

[@philipbrowne7620]

@Federico Giuliano would have done the same to your team team 👍

[@s.a.6377]

RIP to the Legend. Argentina's hero.

[@UncleRuckus7]

Not just Argentinas hero, but the hero of football, RIP💔..........

[@MrSeanMDolan]

He was no hero, but he was the argentine champion.

[@ozerfilip]

I am not Argentinian but he is my Hero, Diego was a jewel of humanity offered to the world by Argentina.

[@abumohi4319]

My All time favourite Diego Maradona, a true legend.

[@dr.biscuits]

Hands down.....simply the GREATEST player ever to pull on a pair of boots.

[@mh.1.]

_Messi_

[@shamblesman]

@@mh.1. both wonderful....but Maradona edges it....

[@harvinderdhillon1866]

@@shamblesman messi is better

[@letlovelead5446]

Your body is dead but your legacy will continue to live. Rest peacefully true legend and the Real greatest footballer of all time Diego Amando Maradona.

[@letlovelead5446]

@Khalid Sh absolute fact

[@daniyal_hazim]

THE BEST

[@themusneema1885]

Much love from Namibia,long live Diego

[@SaorAlba1970]

"Sure, the English may very well hate me, but the Scottish love me, and that's all that matters"

[@letlovelead5446]

@@SaorAlba1970 why

[@StewartyMac]

He may be gone, but he still lives rent free in Peter Shilton's head.

[@AEARArg]

😂😂😂

[@timsong6]

Hehe

[@LeoDragon34]

Not just Peter Shilton - every Englishman over the age of 40.

[@praachmw3389]

@@LeoDragon34 except of gary lineker's, man wanted to clap when El Pibe scored the second goal!!

[@timscan7273]

🤣😂🤣👊🏼

[@matiasss550]

Thanks for talking those beautiful words to an argentinian. We really appreciate it ! thanks !

[@juanjatt]

truth is friend ..no matter what we love diego maradona !

[@joepaccrakurii1227]

We also loved Diego in Scotland, we feel your pain my friend, he had a profound effect on my life. I owe it all to him. He made me fall in love with our beautiful game, and I owe him every penny I earned through it, without him I don't know where I'd be

[@pabloalarroyo]

Gary Lineker is a man with a huge heart, a gentleman in the purest sense of the world.

[@donramonramirez5141]

Si señor, muy acertado comentario .. 😎🇦🇷

[@MeditationalState]

Maradona, Crouchy - 2 players who changed the world of football. One for his ability on the football pitch and other for his moustache

[@PaquetasCar2147]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 FUNNY!

[@lulnug]

Grow up

[@IHateThingsThatEverybodyLoves]

Movember

[@karatebuff]

The beard to be feared, not entirely sure if he's doing his best impression of Wyatt Earp or Earl the Pearl Strickland?

[@WJF1959]

I didn’t know Diego had a moustache

[@hasbullahnurmagomedov8642]

On his day. There's not many that would come close

[@ibiletzplay24]

Not any would

[@CKD3332]

On his day....Maradona is way better than anyone else. Maradona is Messi and Ronaldinho combined.

[@walker63163]

In terms of on his day, no one even comes close. Over whole career there is more of a debate. But talent and pure quality, Maradona is number one.

[@cblackwell219]

Phil Jones

[@sajidwaseem6685]

@@walker63163 i dont know why but your comment made me smile. Bang on point. Only one i would say grew up watching with talent and skill similar to Maradona is R9

[@irmasil3]

2:02 Michael having his jaw dropped says it all...."OMG, That's impossible-It is"....Michael, one of the top strikers ever walked this earth acknowledges what kind of level Maradona was....

[@gam85191]

True init

[@redplague]

Nah, he was just in awe of a man who could walk a few steps and not get injured.

[@matthewsmith8727]

@Anonymous Thamizhan without injures he would of been the greatest English striker of all time

[@IamFirtyDucker]

@Anonymous Thamizhan still a ballon dor winner

[@SirMonkeySuit]

@@IamFirtyDucker Not deserved though. The guy flirted with big clubs not proving anything then went to Newcastle and refues to play. He did not prioritise football, he was a guy who was fast and could place the ball in the back of the net. Then he acted too big for his boots and refused to play, he is a disgrace.

[@shaheenayoub]

Total respect to Gary for a beautiful tribute to a legend.

[@luisernestoituarte7133]

Gary, thanks for your words about Maradona. Your comments illustrate wonderful soccer moments ¡Greetings from Argentina!.

[@doctorsocolinsky3116]

Son ingleses, no yankees, jamas le digas "soccer" al futbol delante de un ingles porque te van a meter un tiro jaja

[@doctorsocolinsky3116]

@Moonraker vos sos tan ingles como yo hungaro

[@rightuppercut1426]

The love and respect for Maradona oozes out of him. Lineker is such a class act. RIP Diego Maradona. 👑 ⚽️😔

[@valeriobell1926]

My own appreciation for Gary Lineker about his words. A real gentleman ! From Napoli

[@marcotorrespaz2082]

Great Gary!! Congrats from Peru 🇵🇪

[@VINGC]

Gary Lineker was also brilliant skilled player and is just respected and adored here in Argentina.

[@VenusInFurs2100]

Adored? not really.

[@louka3891]

When today's players miss a pass or complain because the grass is dry, wet, short or long, Maradona could do the craziest things with a ball on any destroyed surface....RIP best ever!

[@matgood6231]

My sons trained with a serbian mans soccer school in a very hoity toity town where everyone plays on brand new artificial turf and we trained on a terrible lumpy beat up grass field. And I thought this is excellent! The world is not carpeted lol

[@louka3891]

@@matgood6231 I completely agree! Besides the quality of the field, players today are protected by referees (especially those who are famous, because of financial reasons). Maradona was targeted by defenders to break him in 2 and always managed to stay on his feet and continue!

[@DeletoMui]

@@louka3891 This thing yall 19th century player say that players today are protected by refree is so dumb and so wrong that i can laugh whole day. Football nowdays is on a whole another level and it will keep growing. New generation will leave the old behind and develop. Maradona football was nothing compared to todays football

[@lp.shakur]

that is true to an extent but old days football was much harder. thats why they retired at 29-31 years old, their body was done today its different, clubs try to maximize what a player can give, with the old rules, that wouldnt be possible. so be thankful football is at it is today, we wouldnt have seen messi in the old days, they would have probably broke him in two

[@joseneto9412]

@@DeletoMui In the time of Diego it came along a very young Swedish footballer that was a man to mark the football of his country and probably become one of the best in the world at that time. At 21 years of age Thomas Brolin become a first choice in Parma terrible speed terrible change of pace and very strong finisher he had everything. At 24 he almost couldn't run with surgeries and so on with 25 he was done. That's the football Maradona thrived.

[@76anoopsaxena]

I remember my very first international trip from India and I was in transit at NY airport waiting for a flight to Detroit and heard a loud discussion between two parties, one Argentinian and another Brazilian. I got interested and I do not know why but one lady from one of the sides looked at me and said "We are discussing who is greater, Maradona or Pele?" I said "Maradona, of course". That settled the debate!!!!! A neutral Indian, a no body giving a verdict on a debate that shall outlive the age of the universe. Sitting in India, in 1986, I fell in love with football watching Maradona single handedly win the WC for Argentina. His skills with the ball... simply unrepeatable! What a player! What a loss to football!

[@punksachoo5055]

Single handedly? Was that a joke?😜

[@scottlee6084]

I was at that game.. i remember him doing that in the warm up.. love telling that story myself

[@GarryMc67]

Heard Lineker tell this story years ago and been trying it for as long any time I go to play football. It is literally impossible. His technique was impeccable.

[@Rodrigo-lq2iy]

Is it recorded somewhere?

[@paulmcdonough1093]

liar

[@user-qd6im2hp2e]

Reveal your age

[@SpeccyHorace]

@@paulmcdonough1093 Why would it be a lie?

[@sanjayballe4764]

What a wonderful memoir from Gary Lineker, sharing a pitch up close with an icon when Gary himself was a top striker. How great it must be to achieve footballing heights

[@Kimble81]

Gary Lineker, such a class act! Greetings from Finland. EL DIEGO ETERNO!

[@bimelk8257]

simply amazing great gesture from Gary. Maradona is incomparable.

[@lecocos8912]

Gracias Gary por tus palabras, emocionantes recuerdos con Maradona. Un gran abrazo de un argentino que te admira!

[@vantheman1244]

Gary’s story and tribute is the best one today.

[@bruce8359]

maradona is not a sports man .hes one of the most crooked footballers in the sport..

[@josemourinho5254]

A true depiction of the human being - amazing talent and hard work. But played harder and had a troubled life. Always will be remembered- Rest in Peace Diego 🇦🇷🙏🙏

[@SamAndrade]

Sonaldo

[@lazaroortiz9546]

Gary and Maradona were born just a month apart. Thanks Gary for the tribute.

[@mohamedcarmally8248]

Maradona is football, and football is Maradona! He was, is, and will always be, the greatest.

[@moken_v89]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@conwardy]

One thing that doesn't get acknowledged too much about Diego the player - aside from being incredibly skilful and quick, he was hard and strong and tough. Every game he played during his prime he just got kicked all over the place! And he wasn't a diva about it - he took it, bounced back up and went again. An amazing talent but also a very steely competitor. RIP Diego

[@Nurmengard]

really late reply.. but messi is the same, every top tier player is like that.

[@maurochinobrochero9359]

Noooooó. Era un jedi. Del fútbol. Un artista . Un mago !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maurochinobrochero9359]

Te olvidaste q es fue y será el mejor de todos los tiempos

[@genericaccount2056]

Yes, he had the mentality and drive to back up his talent

[@gusti14]

@@Nurmengard no.. a Maradona le pegaron 1000 veces mas animal, que decis? Ya en la epoca de Messi te rajan al toque. Solo Pepe le pegó. Maradona siempre con el tobillo infiltrado, de hecho en España le partieron la pierna literal y volvió de eso. Un abismo con Messi..

[@DorjiWangchuk101]

"Whatever we tried, didn't work" Gary Linekar says with resignation and admiration 🤩🤩🤩

[@farje1]

Gary Lineker, a great player, a true, decent human being. His tribute to the great Pelusa is one of the best I have seen. I take my hat off Gary.

[@leesmavicmoments5598]

Lineker knows his onions played with the best and against 👌👌

[@monoblock15beats51]

Pelusa the GOAT

[@chorleycc]

Can't stand the bloke myself. I see through him. He is completely fake. Virtue signally moron.

[@proudindian2066]

Well done Gary.. Every football lover is going to appreciate your effort..👏

[@Jsudididiss]

I’m Syrian and my father named my lil bro after him rip maradona!

[@veganliving6255]

Gary Lineker is a good fella, nice tribute to Diego from him. RIP Diego.

[@conanthonyconlon2460]

Fair play Gary Lineker - wonderful, generous tribute. Classy guy Lineker.

[@barrymay8269]

NOT.

[@gabrielvita2163]

My respect for Gary, he really feel admiration for Diego. Regards from Argentina.

[@paulrispin4989]

Gary Lineker is a true gentleman, in his whole career he never received even a yellow card. He was top scorer in that world cup but even so, he knew when he was in the company of a genius. All true football fans know that Diego was a pure football genius. Respect from England. RIP Diego

[@jeffblundell4557]

A sad day for anyone who has either played or watched the game (THE ULTIMATE CREATOR OF MAGIC) the world is a duller place without maradona

[@kurtzband]

What a incredible tribute. Lineker is such a gentleman. I’m struggling to believe He is no longer with us.

[@johnfinnerty4243]

A great tribute....Diego Armando Maradona. RIP.

[@davidperez-hc5zf]

Gary es simplemente un caballero en toda la extensión de la palabra,los británicos deben sentirse orgullosos de aver tenido y tener un jugador que los represente de la misma manera tanto dentro como afuera de la cancha,mis respetos a este jugador. Saludos desde buenos Aires,Argentina.

[@ryanmurphy4748]

An incredible talent. A legend in Scotland forever 😉 RIP Diego ❤️

[@JackNapier420]

And in Ireland 🇮🇪😉🤣

[@tenzaemtade6146]

@@JackNapier420 Henry the Northern Irish legend

[@florenciacarboni466]

We are blasted here in Argentina. Thanks for your support. Diego for ever!

[@osnnez]

Muchas gracias Gary... Más allá de las rivalidades futbolísticas siempre fuiste un gran competidor de Diego y si él te permitió compartir momentos de intimidad, es porque realmente te apreciaba mucho... Tu recuerdo nos emociona mucho...

[@fabrizio1633]

What a nice dude, Lineker!

[@gerd5479]

"A beautiful affection with a football" nails it. Terrific tribute and delighted that the 'hand of God' goal was not the focus.

[@ronan8485]

The best in the world at his time, a true great of the sport. Rest in peace, Diego.

[@AFC4PF]

Maradona was a crazy person too

[@Casini1]

The best of all time, with an huge gap on all the rest.

[@DavidMos385]

He surpassed Pele not only in sports, but also in life.

[@ThomasHoward4thDuke]

@@Casini1 Messi and Ronaldo are above any other player there has ever been. People are too blinded my nostalgia.

[@Liam-bw2ry]

@@DavidMos385 how by getting addicted to alcohol and drugs?

[@americaisacontinent.]

Diego Maradona is the greatest futbol player in history. Gracias Diego Maradona por ser de America..

[@daglionm]

My god, what a pleasure is listening to Gary. Such a humble, clear man. Respect.

[@TheOneSpurs]

Goat ... One of the only men who could win a tournament for his nation by himself ..

[@CKD3332]

I think that's the greatest achievement in sport, Maradona 1986 World Cup.

[@markstrugnell]

@@CKD3332 really? Wow.

[@EchosBeat]

@@CKD3332 the only thing to ever top his achievement is if England win a World Cup. 😂😂

[@edwon4295]

@@EchosBeat they have

[@vikz5786]

...and then drag a much weaker Argentina to another WC final 4 years later.

[@reinhard7572]

Much respect to Lineker for these kind words of Maradona the player.

[@firstname2439]

Maradona, the greatest footballer of all time.

[@blizzfut5887]

Messi clear

[@handzar6402]

@@blizzfut5887 Clear...ly behind Maradona.

[@renejean2523]

I'd give it to Messi because Messi isn't a cheat.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

Practically every Brazilian player of the 1970 World Cup was better than Maradona.

[@justthetruth1]

@@renejean2523 he never dived??

[@grahamtait8031]

Gary is a good guy. He was a very efficient, often lethal striker but to be so humble and objective, particularly relating to 1986, reveals character. Well said Sir.

[@LimerickWarrior1]

"whatever we tired didn't work" Sums the legend up perfectly. The Man was unmarkable in that World Cup.

[@desotodesign]

Despite the difficult circumstances in which the famous 86` match was played, Lineker shows too, greatness in acknowledging the fenomenon from Villa Fiorito. A true gentleman. RIP little barrel.

[@hussainbte]

Lucky to have witnessed Diego Maradona play live.. KZbin videos are there but what Gary is talking is uffffff

[@shortallliam3142]

What a WONDERFUL tribute, and what gentleman Gary Lineker is ....I respect him even more now...RIP Diego!

[@mr__OK]

Could see how much Diego meant to Gary. Rip to a real GOAT

[@edmundpower1250]

Also cost Gary a possible worl cup winners medal with that handball goal

[@mr__OK]

@@edmundpower1250 cry me a river

[@galtongabriel1172]

Moving tribute by Gary Lineker. RIP the legendary Diego Maradona.

[@amabilrogidolarroca1233]

Thanks Gary! Such a legend too! Greetings from Argentina

[@AnthonyEdwards775]

People don’t understand how ridiculously good he was with the ball

[@johnp515]

People do understand

[@Tod_oMal]

Not only with the ball, he could carry the whole team on his shoulders.

[@drinozhao9028]

On his day. There's not many that would come close

[@Fortunaatp]

Yes they do. He widely regarded as one of the best to have ever played the game lol

[@hi-ls6lt]

@Martin but he was still eternal, his presence was unprecedented in many ways on the pitch

[@matthewmcbratney9704]

Pure class from Gary doing the great man justice.

[@alejandrocardozo5091]

Gary Lineker BIG GENTLEMAN! Respectfully yours from Uruguay!!

[@TheGadfly85]

I'm amazed and very impressed by how objective Lineker is. I mean Maradona destroyed them emotionally, with a bit of cheating as well, but the way he keeps those emotions in check when he talks about Maradona is something we all should try to achieve.

[@dcp1116]

As an Australian with Argentine blood Diego was everything in football because of the joy he brought to many especially argentiina we lost a true legend RIP

[@warrenbentley2314]

Hw questioned Britain retaking the Falklands so I'm glad the cheating little rat is dead!

[@hi-ls6lt]

@@warrenbentley2314 oooh, we found a Brit who supports the killing of innocents! Whoooo!

[@lookingfordiscovery]

I was 8 when I watched this. A cried my eyes out at the final whistle. A part of my childhood died today.