Goa to install statue of football legend Maradona

The Goa government will install the life-size statue of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who passed away on Wednesday, in the coastal belt of North district by early next year, a senior minister said on Wednesday.

Maradona's statue is already under making with a Maharashtra-based artist working on the mould, Calangute MLA and state Ports Minister Michael Lobo said.

Lobo had announced installation of the statue of Maradona in 2018.

"The statue would be installed somewhere at Candolim or Calangute to inspire the football playing youth," he said.

Lobo said the mould of the statue is ready.

"It is an actual-size statue as tall as late Maradona," the minister said, adding that the 350-kg statue is part of the state government's initiative to encourage football culture.
    
Lobo said a statue of another Juventus and Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo is also being prepared which will be installed in North district of the state.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of the game's greatest ever players, died of a heart attack

Maradona, 60, had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago.

He suffered a heart attack at his home in the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, Argentinian media and acquaintances of the former player said.