Football: 'Idol' Maradona could not have been better as a person - Bielsa

Argentina has lost an "idol" following the death of Diego Maradona, former national team manager Marcelo Bielsa has said on Thursday. Maradona, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, died on Wednesday after a reported heart attack. He inspired his country to World Cup glory in 1986, and also helped Napoli win the Italian league title in 1987 and 1990. Leeds United head coach Bielsa, like most Argentinians, was struggling to process the loss of a national hero. "He was for us, and will continue to be, an idol," Bielsa, who managed the Argentina national side from 1998 to 2004, said. "Given the fact he is not with us any more brings great sadness. We have lost an idol and it makes us feel weak. "What really stood out was his relationship with the public. Everything he did as a footballer was of a beauty which cannot be matched."