Football fans all over the world are well aware of the legend that was Diego Maradona. The Argentine forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, with his skills, speed, and accuracy on the field leaving fans in awe.
However, many are still confused about why Barcelona sold Maradona back in 1984, just two years after signing him from Boca Juniors. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this controversial decision.
Maradona’s Arrival at Barcelona
When Maradona arrived at Barcelona in 1982, he was already a rising star in Argentina and known for his exceptional talent on the pitch. Barcelona signed him for a then-world record fee of £5m ($7.5m) with hopes that he would lead them to success both domestically and internationally.
The Issues Behind the Scene
However, things didn’t go as planned for Barcelona and Maradona. The first issue arose when he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out for several weeks during his debut season. Despite this setback, he still managed to score 11 goals in 22 league games.
But it wasn’t just injuries that caused problems for Maradona at Barcelona. He also struggled with adapting to life in Spain and found it difficult to adjust to the culture and language differences. This led to communication issues with his teammates and coaches.
Moreover, off-field issues including partying all night long and drug use were also becoming more prevalent during this time.
The Infamous World Cup ’86
In addition to these personal issues affecting Maradona’s performance at Barcelona, another significant event occurred during his tenure with the club: The infamous Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England.
Maradona scored two goals against England in this game – one legitimate and one that he punched into the net. This cheating scandal caused outrage across England and around the world, tarnishing Maradona’s reputation and leading to public scrutiny.
The Final Straw
The combination of all these factors ultimately led to Barcelona’s decision to sell Maradona in 1984. The club was disappointed with his performances on the field, frustrated with his lack of commitment off it, and concerned about the negative attention he was bringing to the team.
In conclusion, while Maradona is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time, his time at Barcelona was marred by a combination of on-field injuries, off-field issues, difficulties adapting to a new country, and the infamous Hand of God goal. These factors ultimately led to Barcelona selling him just two years after signing him for a record-breaking fee.
9 Related Question Answers Found
Why Was Maradona Kicked Out of Barcelona? Diego Maradona, widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time, had a tumultuous time during his tenure at Barcelona. While his skills on the field were undeniable, off-field controversies and clashes with the club’s management ultimately led to his departure from the Spanish giants.
Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, had an eventful career that left an indelible mark on the world of football. However, his time at Barcelona was filled with controversy and struggles. Let’s delve into what happened to Maradona during his tenure at the Catalan club.
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Diego Maradona, one of the greatest football players of all time, had an eventful and controversial stint at FC Barcelona. His time at the club was marked by both brilliance on the pitch and off-field drama that ultimately led to his departure. Let’s delve into what exactly happened with Maradona at Barcelona.
Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, is often remembered for his heroics with the Argentine national team and Napoli in Italy. However, his time at Barcelona is often overlooked. In this article, we will delve into Maradona’s stint at Barcelona and determine whether he was truly good during his time there.
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Rivaldo, one of the most iconic footballers of all time, left Barcelona in 2002. The Brazilian forward had spent five successful seasons with the Catalan giants, during which he won multiple titles and established himself as one of the best players in the world. However, his departure from the club came as a surprise to many fans and pundits alike.
