The world misses you Diego Maradona

My father never bought a black and white Television as he aspired to buy a colour Sony TV someday since his youth. It was during one of his business trips to Singapore that he couldn't resist himself from buying a 29 inch Sony  colour  television as It was the summer of 1986 and he was returning home a day before the  Football World Cup finale. 

The moment Babu boarded off the yellow taxi and opened the boot, we rejoiced  seeing that huge box in which was hidden the dream Television of my father. The entire locality gathered outside our house with 'Paara kakus' taking initiative to offload the container and getting electrician to fit the treasure at the earliest. The antenna was bought and fixed in no time.

The following day was all about nail biting and anticipation till the match begun. There he was in front of us with his team Argentina. The vehement roar followed by cheering of  Joy Maradona is something I can still hear and feel after all these years.  The match ended with the victory of His team but it was he who won... Won the hearts of millions of people across the globe and that bunch of bengalis sitting in that room that night. Our neighbours thanked my father, hugged him, shook hands and hailed 'Joy Krishna Da' and i could see that gleam of happiness in my father's eyes. That night my Hero gifted me one of the most memorable gift.  Watching the other Hero taking the world by storm sitting on my father's lap was such an ecstatic feeling. I was the proudest six year old  that night.

I was too small to understand the popularity of Maradona then but that man, his moves, his energy,his passion on field was something I could relate to that night. This man made every Bengali child of our generation not only fall in love with him but also with football. He created dreams...dreams for millions of kids and youngsters throughout his lifetime.  An enigma till his last breath...Maradona is God of Football for us. His demise in 2020 just tore off another pleasant chapter from our childhood, leaving a void forever.

He created magic on field with his skill and childish stubborn persona. Withstanding hits, kicks and innumerable physical violence by opponents on ground this man never gave up on football. All he wanted was to play and win. What a charmer he was! 

The heartwarming images from his funeral portray the love and respect the man garnered in the hearts of people over the years. It's been two years since we lost you Diego and this is the first Fifa World Cup that we are watching without you. 

Rest in power and keep playing wherever you are.  Thank you for making our childhood magical with your presence. Love you always.

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