The sporting world has paid tribute to Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona after his sudden death, aged 60, on Thursday (NZ time).
Maradona was at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires when he suffered a heart attack, which came weeks after he underwent successful surgery on a brain blood clot.
He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup.
His death sent shockwaves around the world, with Argentina President Alberto Fernandez declaring three days of national mourning.
"You took us to the top of the world," says Fernandez. "You made us immensely happy.
"We're going to miss you all our lives.
"You were the greatest of them all. Thank you for having existed, Diego."
According to local reports, Maradona's former club, Boca Juniors, will postpone Thursday's game against Internacional as a mark of respect.
Prior to Thursday's Champions League matches, there was a minute's silence in Maradona's memory, while the sporting world has also paid tribute with social media posts.
Argentina's Sergio Aguero, who was previously married to Maradona's youngest daughter Gianinna, wore a black armband during Manchester City's 1-0 win over Olympiakos.
Brazil legend Pele led the way saying: "One day we'll kick a ball together in the sky above."
Maradona was in charge of Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina's top flight at the time of his death and the club said: "We never thought we would have to write this news.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we mourn the death of Diego Armando Maradona, our Technical Director," says Gimnasia y Esgrima.
"With tears in our eyes, and with denial as a defence mechanism in the face of this type of situation, we bid farewell to the 'God of Football' with deep pain.
"We are going to miss you at Estancia directing the practices, to see you happy in each tribute they made to you in life in the different Argentine soccer fields, the goal shouts shared in the Forest, and we are proud to have given you that opportunity."
Current Argentine football star Lionel Messi sent his condolences to Maradona's family.
"A very sad day for all Argentines and for football," he wrote on Instagram.
"He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
"I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."
Giuseppe Bruscolotti, who played alongside Maradona at Italian club Napoli was shocked by the news.
"I'm so sorry, for me he was like a brother, we had an incredible relationship," he says. "Today Naples has lost a son, one who has given them so much. Surely today it is a city in mourning, if not a world."
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has since revealed talks will be held about changing the name of their home stadium after Maradona after the Mayor of Luigi de Magistris proposed the idea.
Cristiano Ronaldo posted an old picture of himself with Maradona on his Instagram account and wrote: "Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius.
"One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician.
"He leaves too soon but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace.
"You will never be forgotten."
But it's not just footballers who have paid their respects, with the likes of former Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt and Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar also Tweeting their condolences.
The Argentinian rugby team, who face the All Blacks on Saturday also sent a message of support.
"He put our flag at the top," they say. "It made us happy.
"You can't ask an athlete for more. Thank you, Diego, rest in peace."
Fans across Argentina are also in mourning with fans leaving flowers outside the Boca Juniors stadium.
