"He was the light of our football": Almeyda's moving tribute to Diego

In the lead-up to the match between Sevilla and Atlético Madrid , Matías Almeyda set aside tactics and strategy to open his heart. In a press conference marked by emotion, the Argentine coach paid tribute to Diego Armando Maradona , who would have turned 65 on October 30th. Amidst memories and silences filled with affection, "El Pelado" spoke of his childhood idol and the indelible mark he left on his life and on world football .

When asked by a journalist about Maradona's significance in his life, the Sevilla coach didn't hesitate to call him "the best," but emphasized that his admiration went beyond football, as he had the opportunity to meet him personally. The day after Maradona's birthday, Almeyda highlighted the prodigious memory of the star born in Fiorito, who could recognize footballers of any level. "He was the kind of guy who knew every footballer. He'd go to an airport and see a player who played in the third division, and he'd know his name," said the Argentine, who also emphasized the humanity and generosity of the Albiceleste legend.

In his reflection, the coach lamented that Maradona's figure had been subjected to extreme judgments, focused on either his virtues or his mistakes, and he championed his legacy as a source of inspiration for generations of Argentine footballers and those from around the world. “ They've always latched onto Diego's good or very bad points, but who knows all the names? He never fired a coach. I love him, that's just how it is. When I talk about Maradona, I get all emotional ... He was the light of our football. He was the inspiration for all Argentine footballers, and many from around the world,” the coach expressed, visibly moved.

Matías Almeyda is currently in his first season in charge of Sevilla in Spain.

Almeyda recalled Maradona's uniqueness both on and off the field, and lamented his premature passing: “ He left us too soon, unfortunately. He was the best, and there will never be another. Today there are guys who break records, who go at 38,000 kilometers per hour, but Maradona was unique . Do you know why he was unique? On the field, they'd throw a little ball of aluminum foil at him, and he was the only one who'd go 'boom,' 'this,' and he'd backheel it back at you.”

Along the same lines, he concluded: “It was beautiful to watch him. He was football. He was football in its purest form, even in his mistakes. He was football without the theatrics. Sometimes he was overweight, sometimes thin, he was football. I love that and he is missed... he is missed for the sake of football. Because otherwise, it's very boring... He gave it that little touch that nobody wants to talk about .”

Almeyda's affection for Maradona was evident at various points in his career, but one of the most memorable moments occurred when Diego himself read a letter that a young Matías had sent him from Azul, expressing his desire to be his friend. Years later, Maradona invited him to his program " La Noche del Diez" (The Night of the Ten), an event marked by their embrace and Maradona's acknowledgment: "You're amazing, Pelado..." to which Almeyda humbly replied : "This is a dream come true. I'm more nervous than when I was playing."

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Gentleness.

Regarding the clash between Sevilla and Atlético Madrid, Almeyda referred to the match against his "friend" Diego Simeone, recalling that they shared eight years on the Argentine national team . "Cholo is a great person. I spoke with Simeone when I arrived in Sevilla , I played with him for eight years on the Argentine national team, and I love him dearly. He's improved year after year since he started coaching. Atlético has many great qualities. They're aiming for the title, and we're aiming for something else," he said.

The former River Plate coach insisted that the players, not the managers, are the stars of the show on the field . He explained that his squad continues to work on correcting defensive errors, though he cautioned that focusing too much on defense could lead to neglecting the attack. “ I’m aware of the potential of this team,” he stated, adding ironically, “Dreaming is free: the day they start charging for it, they’ll be taking pills to stop talking, and only the rich will have the right to dream.”

A thought that, like his tribute to Maradona, exudes sensitivity, respect, and a genuine passion for this game that both of them, the Bald One and the Ten, loved without measure.