Maradona`s Story 3

To avoid mistakes, let’s make something clear from the beginning: Boca is Maradona, Maradona is Boca. That story that came out from its main character, about his sympathy to Independiente is supported by his own words: his fascination for the skills of Bochini and Bertoni. But the truth is that in his humble house at Azamor and Mario Bravo, in Villa Fiorito, in his family’s heart and in his own, there was only one flag that flapped coloured blue and gold. He was raised up loving Boca, he felt, since he was young that something special was growing between him and the people that supported Boca.They were the first ones who made an ovation to him at a field, crying out "Let him stay! / Let him stay!" as an anthem during the recess between the two halves of a match in First Division between Argentinos and… Boca. He was only 12 years old. Years later (not many, though), with Argentinos t-shirt on, he "hit" a symbol of Boca, Hugo Orlando Gatti, scoring four goals. In a single match, four moments that caused other unanimous ovations: that of Argentinos supporters, of course… but also, that of the people of Boca.That’s why he insisted so much until he finally got to wear that t-shirt. He was so involved that he himself helped deal the pass. It was as follows: River Plate was very interested in counting on Maradona for its team, giving away whatever was needed. He only had to mention that Boca was just as enthusiast about him (…when this was not true… Boca was not interested, and had no money at all) to change the upcoming story.His dream definitely came true, in an economic deal, which could easily be considered as a legend of world economics. Millions of dollars, bank guarantees, chilling fees.But nothing of that was enough to pay for what he did, ever since his debut against Talleres de Córdoba, the 22nd February, 1981. Two penalty goals inside Boca’s crowded Stadium (La Bombonera) that helped him become more self-assured regarding his body, cause he knew he couldn’t give everything he could straight away.At the beginning of the match he let Miguel Angel Brindisi, his ideal partner, be the center of attention. All the same, so that no one could doubt it, he showed his distinction in the different games. It is the case of a match against River, in Boca’s Stadium during a rainy night the 10th of April. When the tournament was coming to an end, the best Maradona showed up. He defeated Ferro, a team that directed by Carlos Timoteo Griguol, wisely managed to shift between football, basketball and chess, being a big rival. But Boca, with Silvio Marzolini as a guide struggled, fought. He then faced the National Tournament, with lots of trips and friendly matches. All the teams were so tired that the way was free for the team of Kempes in River Plate.Diego left Boca the summer of 1982, almost a year had past since he had arrived. But he didn’t leave forever.The 14th year pregnancy, which began in Europe, developed in Barcelona, Nápoles, Sevilla, finally getting close to Rosario in Argentina, ended up in the great match of his return.It took place in October (like every renaissance of Diego) of 1995. Firstly in South Korea, a country that loves Maradona in a unique way. He then played in Boca, his place. "I want people to say again ‘Let’s go to the field to see Diego play’", he wished in a private confession. And so it was. He stepped his most beloved field, La Bombonera, the 7th October 1995. Boca won 1-0, but that is only a detail. They were all details. In each of the 30 matches he played, he left behind something more than his seven goals, his victories, his draws, his failures during those two years, directed consecutively by Silvio Marzolini, Carlos Bilardo y Héctor Veira. It is the feeling of each of his companions and rivals that they were sharing the field with a living, gifted monument.They pestered him with weird anti-doping check-ups until his soul in pain begged for a break. Precisely against River, in the Monumental, precisely five days before his 37th birthday. That 25th October will remain in history. What no one will risk to write is what follows: it was Diego Armando Maradona’s last official match. It is just a fact, not the absolute truth.