Sports fans faced an irreparable loss as ‘The Golden Kid’ Diego Maradona died at 60. His esteemed career in football fraternity is and shall remain as one of the greatest of all time. Apart from his huge shadow on football, the Argentine adorned tennis. Last year, after an exhibition-match between Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev, Diego had the kindest words for the Swiss maestro.

As a part of his tour of South American countries, Federer landed in Buenos Aires in front of 12,000 people. He was scheduled to play Argentine star Juan Martin del Potro; however, Zverev replaced the latter due to injury. Maradona, who couldn’t be there personally, shared an emotional message that left the best of tennis in tears.

“There’s no one like Roger Federer”: Diego Maradona

Diego was heavily responsible for Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 1986; his hand-goal in the finals will remain timeless. Being regarded as the icon of the sport afterward, his ’10 number’ jersey continues to be a symbol of greatness.

But, when he talked about the Swiss professional, he talked like a true fan. And, the moment not only shook the 20-time Grand Slam winner but even the crowd roared in agreement.

“Hello master, machine, like I like to call you. You were, you are, and will be the greatest. There’s no other like you,” said the great Maradona.

His demeanor as a gangster never failed to melt hearts. He told Federer, “I want you to know that if you have any kind of trouble in my country, you can call me and tell me what you need.”

Unlike none, the Barcelona player has a charm of his own which immediately touched Roger.

Maradona called Roger ‘a machine, the greatest of all time’

Listening to an inspiration of millions is itself an emotion hard to subdue, but Maradona made it impossible for Federer. The Argentinian lastly said, “A big kiss for your wife and your children. You are like I like to say, a machine, the greatest of all time.”

Even though the Basel-native lost 7-6, 7-6 to the German, he felt nothing but light-heartedness. Such epic and memorable moments are a gift from Maradona to the world. As the people of sports say their final goodbyes, Maradona continues to live in the book of legends.

Also Read: “You Will Never Die”: Juan Martin Del Potro, Rafael Nadal and Others Express Condolences on Diego Maradona’s Demise