Diego Fernando Maradona Jr still misses his famous father(Image: Instagram/Maradona)

Diego Maradona’s 11-year-old son 'missing phone calls with dad' as he lays out football dream

Diego Maradona is widely considered as the best footballer of all time, but the legendary World Cup winner's son could potentially be another star

by · The Mirror

The youngest son of football legend Diego Maradona has laid out his plan to become a footballer as he admits he is missing his dad.

Diego Fernando Maradona was only eight years old when the legendary Argentine icon suffered a heart-attack and passed away aged 60 in November 2020. Maradona's death left the football world heartbroken and triggered three days of mourning in Argentina.

Four years later, young Diego, who is now 11 years old, gave an emotional interview to the press with the permission of his mother Veronica Ojeda. He spoke about how he still misses hearing the voice of his iconic father.

However, he also plans to follow in his footsteps, albeit while going off-piste along the way.

In an interview with Argentine outlet Clarin, given with the permission of his mother, the youngster was asked if he has any ambitions of becoming a player himself. He said: "I don't know if one day I'll play football.

"I don't know if I'll do it. I told mum that I wanted to play football and in the end, I was terrible." He then added: "Now I want to be a goalkeeper, like Dibu Martinez," referring to the Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper, who helped inspire Argentina to two consecutive Copa America titles and the World Cup.

Although he never had the chance to witness his renowned father play in person, he has watched numerous videos of the footballing giant, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Young Diego Fernando Maradona gave an interview to an Argentine outlet after his mother gave permission( Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Young Diego reflected on his late father's legacy with a touch of nostalgia. He said: "I knew how my dad played; I was a fan of my dad. The one I like most is the one he scored against the English."

While the internet gives him access to constant videos of Maradona playing and speaking, there is something he will never be able to have again - a conversation with his late father.

He said: "It moves me. Yes, it moves me. I like remembering when he called me and we talked on the phone."

Maradona has ambitions of becoming a goalkeeper( Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Maradona's name is forever etched in football history for his stunning displays during Argentina's victorious campaign at the 1986 World Cup. The South American country went into national mourning when Maradona passed away.

Icons such as Lionel Messi amongst others lined up to honour his memory. When Argentina won the World Cup in 2022, Messi paid homage by emulating the famed photo of Maradona at Mexico's Azteca Stadium, hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates while clutching the trophy.

As well as the World Cup, Maradona also won two Serie A titles with Napoli, the Italian Cup and the UEFA Cup, while also winning the Spanish Cup with Barcelona.

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