The bishop solicits prayer after the death of Diego Maradona

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack at the age of 60. Maradona is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and has been recognized by FIFA as one of the two players of the century. After Maradona's death, an Argentine bishop encouraged prayer for the athlete's soul.

“We will pray for him, for his eternal rest, that the Lord may offer him his embrace, a look of love and his mercy”, Bishop Eduardo Garcia of San Justo told El1 Digital.

The story of Maradona is "an example of overcoming", said the bishop, underlining the humble circumstances of the athlete's early years. “For many children who are in serious trouble, her story makes them dream of a better future. He has worked and reached important places without forgetting his roots. "

Maradona was the captain of the Argentine soccer team that won the 1986 World Cup and was a very successful professional footballer in Europe.

Despite his talent, substance abuse problems prevented him from reaching some milestones and prevented him from playing much of the 1994 World Cup tournament, due to a suspension from football.

She has been battling drug addiction for decades and has also suffered the effects of alcohol abuse. In 2007, Maradona said he had stopped drinking and hadn't used drugs for more than two years.

Monsignor Garcia noted the work for the poor that occupied Maradona's time in his later years.

Also on Wednesday, the Holy See press office said that Pope Francis recalled "with affection" the meeting with Maradona on various occasions, and recalled in prayer the football superstar