Argentina legend Diego Maradona has admitted that taking drugs was the biggest mistake of his life.
The former Napoli star is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever play football, having played a vital role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 1986 as well as starring for the Serie A outfit and Barcelona.
However, one of the low points in his career came at the 1994 World Cup as he was sent home from the finals in the United States in a disgraceful manner after failing a drugs test for ephedrine, and was later banned for 15 months.
There is a feeling among many that he could have gone on to achieve even greater things in the game had he not taken any drugs and Maradona has confessed that he considers himself lucky to still be alive today.
“I was 24 when I started doing drugs. I was at Barcelona. It’s the biggest mistake I’ve ever made,” Maradona told Tuttonapoli, as reported by Football Italia.
“My daughter asked me to live for her when I was in a coma. I thank God because he woke me up and listened to my daughter.
“Women, money or drugs the biggest problem? The biggest problem is drugs. Drugs kill.
“I have the great fortune of being here talking to you. If I continued to take them, I’d have died no doubt.
“For 13 years, I haven’t taken anything and I feel great.”
Known for his fantastic vision, passing, ball control, dribbling skills and speed Maradona is a controversial figure among England supporters as it was his infamous ‘Hand of God’ effort which knocked them out of the 1986 World Cup.
Debates are still had to this very day as to who was the better player between himself and Brazilian legend Pele, while Barca superstar Lionel Messi is often compared to his compatriot.
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