Villas-Boas Calls On FIFA To Retire Number 10 Jersey In Honour Of Maradona
Olympique Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas has called on FIFA to retire the number 10 jersey in honour of former Argentina captain Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday at the age of 60 from a heart attack.
Considered by many as arguably the greatest footballer of all-time, Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Mexico in 1986 wearing the iconic jersey number and providing some great memories along the way.
Maradona was recently treated for a blood clot in his brain but was discharged a fortnight ago following a successful surgery.
"For Maradona, it's a hard blow. I would like FIFA to withdraw the number 10 for all competitions, all teams," the former Chelsea manager told a news conference after Marseille's 2-0 Champions League loss to Porto on Wednesday.
"I think it's the best tribute that can be given to the greatest player in the history of football. It is an incredible loss for the world of football."
Villas-Boas only got the chance to meet Maradona once, and the Portuguese recalls the moment as an ‘unforgettable’ one.
"Yes, I met him once. He was a guest at the Pinetina, the Inter Milan sports centre, when I was there," he said.
"And I remember this photo, next to my trophies in Porto. Because of that, I bought a watch when Hublot had them signed by Maradona. And this watch came with a jersey signed by him that I still keep. These are good memories.
"But Maradona wasn't just that. It's his genius from the world of football, the images he leaves us, the image of his warm-up in Naples, those kinds of things that are extraordinary.
"It's a loss for everyone. I only met him once, next to each other, it's a moment I won't forget."
