Pep Guardiola praises Diego Maradona’s impact on football after the Argentinian’s death on Wednesday

Pep Guardiola described the late Diego Maradona as one of the ‘few incredible players’ in football history following the Argentinian’s death on Wednesday.

Maradona passed away at the age of 60 after a cardiac arrest which came just a fortnight after the former Barcelona and Napoli forward had surgery on his brain. 

The Manchester City manager joined the world of football in paying tribute to Maradona after his side beat Olympiakos on Wednesday night, while Guardiola also gave his public support to striker Sergio Aguero, who is the Argentinian’s son-in-law.

Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Diego Maradona after the Argentine’s death on Wednesday

Legendary footballer Maradona (above) passed away at the age of 60 after a cardiac arrest

Guardiola told BT Sport on Wednesday night: ‘First (I think about) Sergio. His son, Diego was his grandfather. 

‘There was a banner in Argentina which says, “It doesn’t matter what you have done in your life, it matters what you have done in our lives.” Imagine what Maradona would have done in our generation (of football). 

‘There are few incredible players in our history, he’s one of them. He was someone who made this sport better. On behalf on Manchester City a big hug for all his family.’

Guardiola gave his support to Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (right), Maradona’s son-in-law

Maradona was best known for his stunning attacking displays for Argentina, playing an integral role in the country’s 1986 World Cup triumph in Mexico, including two goals against England in the quarter-finals. 

The Argentine is also a cult-hero at Napoli and Boca Juniors, winning two Serie A titles with the former in 1987 and 1990 along with the 1989 UEFA Cup. 

Before joining the Italian side, Maradona spent two seasons at Barcelona and scored 38 goals in 58 games whilst playing for the Catalans.

Maradona is known for his time at Napoli – but also spent two seasons at Barcelona (above)

Guardiola (above)  came through the Barcelona ranks just after Maradona left Barcelona

While former Barcelona midfielder Guardiola admitted he never played with Maradona, the Spanish manager understands the impact the legendary forward had on the game.  

Guardiola added: ‘When I arrived at the Barcelona academy, he left for Napoli and he was there before. 

‘It was a short time but the impact was not like what it was like in Argentina, in Boca or in Napoli but what he has done in the world of football is incredible.

‘In Argentina, people know (what he’s done). But he was one of the best for many people. There have been others (such as) Pele but he’s one of them. 

Maradona was an inspirational figure in Argentina, helping them win the 1986 World Cup

‘His influence in football and how he lived his professional, it’s difficult to find a personal player who loves the game more. It’s a sad day for football.’

The Argentinian Government have announced three days of mourning following Maradona’s death, while the residents of Napoli are flooding the streets of their city to pay tribute to their former forward.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s City beat Olympiakos 1-0 on Wednesday evening thanks to a first-half goal form Phil Foden.