Argentina legend Diego Maradona, deceased on Nov 25 from cardiac arrest, had played for several clubs throughout this career, most notably Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli. And now his eldest son has said he wants to see the No. 10 jersey retired at Barcelona and the other clubs his father played for.
When further asked if all No. 10 jerseys should be retired as suggested by Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas, Diego Maradona Junior told Marca:
“In the teams that he [Maradona] played for, I believe so, including Barcelona. Without a doubt.”
Maradona Jr’s thinking is inclined that way most likely because Napoli retired the No. 10 shirt in honor of Maradona in 2000, who scored 115 goals in 259 games and helped the Italian club clinch their only two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, as well as the UEFA Cup in 1989.
However two years later, FIFA blocked the Argentina Football Association (AFA) from retiring the No. 10 jersey as a tribute to Maradona due to the fact that the jersey is worn by Lionel Messi, who also carries that number at Barca.
As a apoint of interest, at other clubs where Maradona played, Ivan Rakitic wears that number at Sevilla, Carlos Tevez at Boca, Mauro Formica at Newell’s Old Boys and Gabriel Florentin at Argentina Juniors.
Maradona Jr. said he was very moved by Messi’s tribute to his father following his passing. Messi, a loyal Newell’s fan, had worn a Newell’s No. 10 jersey underneath his Barca shirt in Sunday’s game against Osasuna and had taken off his Barca jersey to unveil the Newell’s kit in a touching tribute to his former coach and friend after scoring
“It was very touching,” the 34-year-old said. “There have been emotional days.
“What Leo did was special, very beautiful. It really touched me. and made me cry, just as Napoli’s, Gimnasia’s and Boca’s [tributes]. I feel very proud of the legacy my father left.”