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Football

26th Nov 2020

Gazza tells Peter Shilton Maradona’s Hand of God goal “made him”

Simon Lloyd

Gazza and Shilton were both appearing on Good Morning Britain to talk about Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday

Paul Gascoigne has jokingly suggested that Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal “made” England goalkeeper, Peter Shilton.

Gazza and Shilton both appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday to share their memories of Maradona, who died on Wednesday aged 60.

Shilton was England’s goalkeeper when Maradona scored by punching the ball into the net during a 2-1 win for Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Argentina went on to win the tournament, and Shilton has let it be known on numerous occasions over the years that he still resents the fact the goal was allowed to stand.

Speaking over a video link, Gazza shared stories of his own meetings with Maradona, describing him as “an icon”. With Shilton also on the line, the former Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers midfielder then made a playful gibe at his former England colleague.

“A lot of people go on about the Hand of God,” Gazza continued. “It made Peter Shilton, anyway. Shilts, it made you, that goal.”

Gascoigne also recalled the time he had played against Maradona in various exhibition matches. The pair both played in Italy, but by the time Gazza had joined Lazio, the Argentine had left Napoli.

News of Maradona’s death saw many Napoli supporters take to the streets to pay their tributes to him overnight. Many chose to gather outside the Stadio San Paolo, the club’s ground, where banners featuring Maradona’s face were unfurled and candles were lit.