Italy renames Napoli stadium after Maradona's death

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Italy's Naples municipality renamed Napoli football club's stadium on Friday as it will be hereafter called "Diego Armando Maradona Stadium" over the Argentine football legend's death.

"With a resolution approved today the [San Paolo] stadium was named after Diego Armando Maradona," the Municipality of Naples said in a statement.

"... The resolution - approved unanimously - establishes" the naming of the San Paolo stadium after Diego Armando Maradona with the name of Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, subject to the authorization of the Prefect of the Province of Naples."

Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris had proposed the resolution to honor the 1986 FIFA World Cup winner Maradona.

The entire city council signed it.

In the official act of the Naples administration, he was called "the greatest footballer of all time".

The city will remember him "with his immense talent and his magic" as the former superstar spent seven years at Napoli to win two Italian Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup.

It added that the city of Naples "eternally" and "unconditionally" loves Maradona.

In 1984, Maradona left Spanish powerhouse Barcelona to join Napoli, playing for the Italian club until 1991.

The Argentine national was a beloved Napoli player as he won 1987 and 1990 Italian top-tier Serie A titles as well as the 1989 UEFA Cup with this club.

Maradona also helped Napoli win the 1987 Italian Cup and scored 115 goals in 259 matches for the Italian team.

The Naples municipality gave him honorary citizenship to show their gratitude in 2017.

Maradona, who is regarded as one of football's greatest players ever, died of heart failure last week at the age of 60 as the world mourned his passing.

After his death, Naples residents poured into streets to pay homage to their ex-player.

The fans also put a "Diego Armando Maradona" sign on the gate of Napoli's stadium.