Just think again about Maradona ..................Part - 2

Professional  Career

Altogether,Maradona played in four World Cups,and scored an impressive 34 goals,in 91 international appearances for Argentina.

 

Despite his unquestioned brilliance on the pitch,The emotional Maradona became equally well known as a controversial figure.He became addicted to cocaine while playing in Spain in the 1980s,and received a 15-month suspension after testing positive for the suspense in 1991.Maradona endured another high-profile suspension three years later.This time for testing positive for ephedrine during the World Cup.Maradona spent his twilight of his playing career in his home country,his physical skills diminished by mounting injuries and years of hard living.He announced his retirement on the eve of his birthday in 1997.

 Post Playing Career

The problems that plagued Maradona later in his playing career continued after his retirement.He was hospitalized for heart problem in 2000 and 2004,the second time requiring the use of a respirator to breath properly.The following year he underwent gastric-bypass surgery to help steam his obesity.

 

An internet poll conducted by the Federation Internationale de Football Association named Maradona,the Top Player of the 20th century.but even that event was marked by controversy.Maradona chafed when a special panel was created to ensure that Pele would be jointly honored,and then refused to share the stage wth the Brazilian legend.

In 2008,Maradona was hired to coach the Argentinean national team.Although the Argentinians boasted a talented squad headlined by Leonel Messi,perhaps the best player in the world,they were bounced from the 2010 World Cup with a 4-0 thrashing by Germany in the quarter-finals and Maradona's contract was not renewed.

 

Despite the public disappointments,Maradona remains beloved in Argentina as a native son who rose from humble beginnings to reach the apex of stardom on an international stage.