Diego Maradona has declared “I am fine” after fears were raised for his health following Argentina’s win against Nigeria at the World Cup.
The 57-year-old was filmed looking unsteady on his feet and being helped away from his seat after the match, while Argentinian newspaper Clarin published pictures of him being attended to by medical staff.
A number of earlier reports had claimed Maradona had been taken to hospital – but the retired player quashed the rumours in an Instagram post several hours later.
Revealing he had suffered neck pain during half-time, Maradona said he had seen a doctor and was advised to go home before the end of the game but decided against it.
“In the halftime of the game against Nigeria, my neck hurt a lot… I was checked by a doctor and he recommended me to go home before the second half, but I wanted to stay because we were risking it all. How could I leave? I send a kiss to everyone, thanks for the support!”
The post was accompanied by a picture of the former footballing star with a medic.
Following the game, Maradona, who drove Argentina to glory at Mexico ’86, had been pictured looking in far better health by Patricia Villegas, president of Latin American broadcaster teleSUR.
She reported Maradona had boarded a flight to Moscow, sharing a picture of him on what looked to be a luxury jet.
She wrote: “1:41 am Russia. About to (fly). Diego: Are you in hospital?”
1:41 am Rusia. A punto de ✈️. Diego: estás hospitalizado? pic.twitter.com/xfktQFUSk0
— Patricia Villegas (@pvillegas_tlSUR) June 26, 2018
The health fears came amid criticism for Maradona over his crude celebration of Argentina’s winner against Nigeria.
Seconds after Marcos Rojo’s 86th-minute strike hit the back of Nigeria’s net, television cameras showed Maradona thrust middle-finger gestures with both hands.
Swinging his arms exuberantly, he also appeared to shout out an insult before cameras turned away from the former Barcelona and Napoli player, who has had a number of personal problems since his playing days.
And that’s why you don’t show Maradona no matter how good he was in his prime ? #NGAARG
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) June 26, 2018
Gary Lineker, hosting BBC One’s coverage of the game, said of England’s one-time nemesis at full-time: “There’s a danger of him becoming a laughing stock I’m afraid in many ways.”
BBC sports presenter Dan Walker wrote on Twitter: “And that’s why you don’t show Maradona no matter how good he was in his prime”.
