Maradona honoured in Argentina

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona has been awarded the illustrious diploma of honour “Domingo Faustino Sarmiento” by the country’s national government.

A ceremony was arranged by the National Senate and Vice-president Daniel Scioli as a tribute not only to Maradona’s footballing legacy but also for setting an example of life in his ongoing battle against drug addiction.

Scioli, who is also the chairman of the Senate, emphasised Maradona’s spirit of overcoming problems and asked him to go on with the recovery plan.

“Diego gives us the most important lesson: strength and love,” Scioli began. “His family’s understanding helped a lot and the values of sports are expressed by this new stage in Diego Maradona’s life.”

A tearful Maradona, in a clear reference to his personal problems, said: “I don’t want to let you down. I want to be more Argentinian than ever.”