“I would like FIFA to withdraw the number 10 for all competitions, all teams.”
Marseille head coach Andre Villas-Boas has suggested that all football teams around the world should retire their number 10 shirts in honour of the late Diego Maradona.
Speaking after Marseille’s 2-0 loss to Porto on Wednesday night, AVB called for FIFA to retire the iconic shirt number.
“For Maradona, it’s a hard blow,” Andre Villas-Boas told the press.
“I would like FIFA to withdraw the number 10 [shirt] for all competitions, all teams. I think it’s the best tribute that can be given to the greatest player in the history of football.”
“It’s an incredible loss for the world of football.”
Andre Villas-Boas’ Marseille were defeated by Porto in their Champions League group C clash against Porto, following goals from Zaidu Sanusi and Sérgio Oliveira.
Diego Maradona died on Wednesday following a heart attack. He wore the number 10 shirt at Barcelona and Napoli, and for the Argentinian national side.
Three days of mourning have been declared in Argentina following his death.
“Diego was Argentina in the world,” said the country’s president, Alberto Fernandez. “He gave us joy and we will never be able to repay him for so much joy.”
Maradona’s coffin, draped in Argentine colours and a Boca Juniors shirt, is currently at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires. Hundreds of football fans have already visited to pay their respects.
Argentina mourns Diego Maradona with a wake at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires https://t.co/yWLxtjD1UR
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 26, 2020
Tributes have poured in from across the football world.
Lionel Messi, who has worn number 10 shirt for Argentina for over a decade now, posted to Facebook, saying: “A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.”
Brazilian legend Pelé said: “What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.”
Gary Lineker called him “by some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.”
