• In this file picture taken on June 29, 1986 Argentina's captain Diego Maradona kisses the World Cup after a 3-2 victory over West Germany at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City. Maradona is self-isolating after one of his bodyguards displayed symptoms of Covid-19. AFP
    In this file picture taken on June 29, 1986 Argentina's captain Diego Maradona kisses the World Cup after a 3-2 victory over West Germany at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City. Maradona is self-isolating after one of his bodyguards displayed symptoms of Covid-19. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on May 20, 2008 former Argentinian football player Diego Maradona controls the ball as he poses during a photocall for Serbian director Emir Kusturica's film 'Maradona by Kusturica' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. Maradona turns 60 on October 30, 2020. AFP
    In this file picture taken on May 20, 2008 former Argentinian football player Diego Maradona controls the ball as he poses during a photocall for Serbian director Emir Kusturica's film 'Maradona by Kusturica' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. Maradona turns 60 on October 30, 2020. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on January 16, 2009 Argentina's national football team coach Diego Maradona laughs during a press conference in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. AFP
    In this file picture taken on January 16, 2009 Argentina's national football team coach Diego Maradona laughs during a press conference in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on November 29, 2018 Mexican second division football club Dorados' Argentine coach Diego Armando Maradona looks on before a match of the first round of the Final against Atletico San Luis at the Banorte stadium in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico. AFP
    In this file picture taken on November 29, 2018 Mexican second division football club Dorados' Argentine coach Diego Armando Maradona looks on before a match of the first round of the Final against Atletico San Luis at the Banorte stadium in Culiacan, Sinaloa State, Mexico. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on December 1, 2017 Argentina's former footballer Diego Maradona poses on stage ahead of the 2018 World Cup draw at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. AFP
    In this file picture taken on December 1, 2017 Argentina's former footballer Diego Maradona poses on stage ahead of the 2018 World Cup draw at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on December 15, 2013 Napoli supporters wave a flag bearing a portrait of football legend Argentinian Diego Maradona during the Serie A football match against Inter Milan at San Paolo Stadium in Naples. AFP
    In this file picture taken on December 15, 2013 Napoli supporters wave a flag bearing a portrait of football legend Argentinian Diego Maradona during the Serie A football match against Inter Milan at San Paolo Stadium in Naples. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on May 22, 1986 Argentine football star Diego Maradona, wearing a diamond earring, balances a ball on his head as he walks off the practice field following the national team's practice session in Mexico City. AFP
    In this file picture taken on May 22, 1986 Argentine football star Diego Maradona, wearing a diamond earring, balances a ball on his head as he walks off the practice field following the national team's practice session in Mexico City. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on December 6, 2008 Argentina's national team coach and former football star Diego Armando Maradona gestures as he attends a felicitation programme at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. AFP
    In this file picture taken on December 6, 2008 Argentina's national team coach and former football star Diego Armando Maradona gestures as he attends a felicitation programme at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. AFP
  • In this file picture taken on June 16, 2018 Argentina football legend Diego Maradona smokes a cigar as he attends the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. AFP
    In this file picture taken on June 16, 2018 Argentina football legend Diego Maradona smokes a cigar as he attends the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. AFP
  • In this March 7, 2020 file photo, Gimnasia y Esgrima coach Diego Maradona before a match against Boca Juniors. Reuters
    In this March 7, 2020 file photo, Gimnasia y Esgrima coach Diego Maradona before a match against Boca Juniors. Reuters
  • In this September 8, 2019 file photo, president of Gimnasia y Esgrima Gabriel Pellegrino and Diego Maradona during his presentation as new coach. Reuters
    In this September 8, 2019 file photo, president of Gimnasia y Esgrima Gabriel Pellegrino and Diego Maradona during his presentation as new coach. Reuters
  • In this file picture taken on November 6, 2001 former football star Diego Maradona answers questions during a press conference in Buenos Aires. AFP
    In this file picture taken on November 6, 2001 former football star Diego Maradona answers questions during a press conference in Buenos Aires. AFP

Maradona at 60: Argentine legend 'in Covid-19 isolation' ahead of birthday


Steve Luckings
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Argentina legend Diego Maradona is reportedly self-isolating after one of his bodyguards displayed symptoms of Covid-19.

The country's state-run news agency Telam reported on Tuesday that Maradona, who led Argentina to lift the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, began isolating at his home in Argentina after last coming into contact with the bodyguard at the weekend.

Local media reported that Maradona, who turns 60 on Friday, is not displaying symptoms and will do a Covid-19 screening on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Maradona had tested negative for Covid-19 after coming into close contact with one of his players who had contracted the virus.

Maradona is currently the coach of Argentine top division side Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, who are scheduled to play Patronato on Friday.

He has suffered a string of health issues in recent years and remains at high risk of coronavirus complications should he be infected.