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BUENOS AIRES – Tens of thousands of fans eager to honor Diego Maradona lined up to walk past the coffin of Argentina’s most iconic soccer star on Thursday, some clashing with police trying to keep order in the mansion president of the country.
Some threw bottles and pieces of metal fencing at police near Casa Rosada in the heart of Buenos Aires. At one point, officers used tear gas to try and control them.
Fans sent kisses as they walked past Maradona’s wooden coffin in the main hall of the presidential building, some punching their chests with closed fists and shouting, “Let’s go, Diego.”
The coffin was covered with an Argentinian flag and the No.10 jersey he wore for the national team. Dozens of other jerseys from different football teams thrown by crying visitors were strewn on and around the coffin.
Maradona died of a heart attack on Wednesday at a house near Buenos Aires where he recovered from brain surgery on November 3.
Public tours began at 6:15 a.m. local time after a few hours of privacy for family and close friends. The first to say goodbye were his daughters and close family members. His ex-wife Claudia Villafañe came with Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Gianinna. Later came Verónica Ojeda, also his ex-wife, with their son, Dieguito Fernando.
Jana, who Maradona recognized as her daughter only a few years ago, also attended the funeral.
Then came former teammates of the 1986 World Cup winning team, including Oscar Ruggeri. Other Argentinian footballers, like Carlos Tévez of Boca Juniors, also showed up.
The lines began to form outside the Casa Rosada just hours after the confirmation of Maradona’s death and reached several blocks. Among those in attendance were renowned barrabravas fans from Boca Juniors, one of its former clubs.
The first fan to visit was Nahuel de Lima, 30, using crutches to get around due to a disability.
“He made Argentina recognized around the world. Whoever talks about Maradona also talks about Argentina, “de Lima told The Associated Press.” Diego is the people … Today, shirts, political flags don’t matter. We came to say goodbye to a big one who gave us a lot of joy. “
Lidia and Estela Villalba cried near the hall exit. Both wore a Boca Juniors jersey and an Argentinian flag on the shoulders.
“We told him that we love him, that he is the greatest,” they said at the same time.
A huge mural of Maradona’a’s face was painted on the tiles that cover Plaza de Mayo, near Casa Rosada, which was decorated with a giant black ribbon at the entrance.
A giant screen in front of Casa Rosada showed historic photos of Maradona to passing fans, most of whom were wearing masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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