Diego Maradona's father Don Diego dies aged 87

Don Diego's health deteriorated after the death of his wife Dalma Salvadora Franco in November 2011

B uenos Aires, June 26 Football great Diego Maradona's father died on Thursday after a prolonged illness, media reported on Friday. He was 87. "Don" Diego Maradona, also known to his friends as "Don Chitoro," had been in an induced coma and on a respirator at Buenos Aires' Los Arcos hospital since early June, Efe news agency reported.

Born in the northern province of Corrientes in 1927, Don Diego drove a ferry in his youth and later worked at a chemicals factory; he was the father of nine children.

Don Diego's health deteriorated after the death of his wife Dalma Salvadora Franco in November 2011.

Maradona confirms his father 'went peacefully'

“Unfortunately, he has left us but he went peacefully. All his children were there, by his side. All the love from all of us went with him,” said Maradona on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

The 54-year-old former Argentina player said these words in a recorded message distributed by local media minutes after his father’s death was officially confirmed. The 1986 Mexico World Cup champion also thanked “everyone who has supported me” and “the doctors who did everything they could to keep him alive”.

“I also thank the journalists who always respected the situation especially the problem of entering and leaving the clinic. I thank you so much and all the Argentinians who prayed for my father,” added the former footballer.