Former Newcastle United boss Ossie Ardiles has paid tribute to his 'dear friend' Diego Maradona after the Argentine legend's sudden death.
Maradona suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at his home in Tigre, and the news of his shock passing was confirmed on Wednesday.
The World Cup winner had undergone an operation to remove a blood clot on his brain on October 30 after the Gimnasia boss fell ill.
Immediate surgery was required to remove a subdural hemetoma, and the 60-year-old had been sent home to continue his recovery.
Ardiles - who spent 10 months in charge of the Magpies from 1991 - was one of numerous members of the footballing community to pay tribute to his fellow Argentinian.
Labelling the former Barcelona and Napoli start as 'the best' ever player to grace the game, Ardiles thanked the 60-year-old for his years of friendship throughout their respective careers.
He posted on Twitter: "Thank dear Dieguito for your friendship, for your football, sublime, without comparison.
"Simply, the best football player in the history of football. So many enjoyable moments together.
"Impossible to say which one was the best. RIP my dear friend.
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