What happened to Diego Maradona? Cause of death and more about 2020 passing of Argentina soccer legend originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Before Lionel Messi took the world by storm, another Argentina player of short stature was a global sensation.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDiego Maradona won two World Cups representing Argentina, including the 1986 triumph remembered for his two iconic goals in the quarterfinals against England.Unfortunately, Maradona’s post-playing career was marred by personal struggles and health issues before his untimely death.Here’s what you need to know about Maradona’s death.MORE:Complete England vs. Argentina historyMaradona died on Nov. 25, 2020 in Argentina. He was only 60 years old.Maradona battled health issues in the months and years before his death, which came only 23 years after the end of his playing career and 10 years after a stint as Argentina’s manager.MORE: Remembering Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal vs. EnglandAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMaradona was hospitalized in early November 2020 for what was described as anemia, depression and dehydration, but he also underwent brain surgery after experiencing a subdural hematoma. Maradona was released about a week later but died in his sleep on Nov. 25 after suffering cardiac arrest.After Maradona’s death, he was found to have had fat and blood clots covering his heart, as well as liver and kidney damage. Maradona’s death also prompted questions about whether he received improper care. An investigation found enough evidence to charge seven healthcare workers with simple homicide. The first trial resulted in a mistrial.MORE:England’s ‘It’s coming home’ meaning, explainedAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMaradona’s international career ended after FIFA sent him home from the 1994 World Cup due to a failed drug test; Argentina suffered a Round of 16 exit without him.Maradona continued playing at the club level on occasion through 1997, last playing for Boca Juniors in Argentina, but he had already dabbled in coaching by that point and officially moved on from his playing career in 1997 with the exception of occasional exhibition appearances.Maradona became a full-time manager in 2008, starting with a two-year stint at the helm of Argentina.MORE:Argentina’s anti-England chant, explainedAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn 2007, Maradona was hospitalized for the effects of alcoholism and hepatitis. The hospitalization came two years after Maradona was admitted to undergo gastric bypass surgery as he struggled with obesity. Maradona entered psychiatric treatment for alcohol abuse after his hospitalization and said after his release that he had quit both alcohol and drugs.Maradona was accused of assaulting his girlfriend in 2014, after Rocio Oliva filmed the former soccer star shouting at her. Maradona admitted to knocking Oliva’s phone out of her hand but denied ever hitt
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