For some, Diego Maradona is the greatest footballer the game has ever seen - most would agree that he is definitely up there among the best. But the Argentinean legend, who passed away in 2020, didn’t think he was the best ever, despite not being known for a lack of enjoyment of his own abilities. He was asked back in 2019, when he was a coach at Gimnasia, who the best player of all time was and he had this to say.

Best player in history, according to Maradona

“I think the best was [Alfredo] Di Stéfano, he was superior to everyone - even me. Pelé didn’t want to recognise Di Stéfano’s talents. Pelé‘s friends invented a trophyespecially for him for being a living legend of football. I even beat Pelé in Río for being the best in history”.

Maradona then went on to answer other questions...

Best shirt you swapped with another player

“The best shirts I swapped were with Gullit and Van Basten when they were at AC Milan. The player who I connected best with was [former Napoli player] Careca”.

How many Ballons d’Or would you have today

“I think I’d had quite a few, but what Messi has achieved is outstanding”.

Messi’s free-kicks

“I told him where he should place his foot, but the rest is all down to him. He has got it down to a tee. I would never like to face Messi - not ever. I don’t criticise Messi, the lad comes home, plays, doesn’t sign the hymn and they say he’s Catalán. I’m a friend of Leo’s”.