Diego Maradona ‘still lives rent free in a lot of Englishmen’s heads’, says Ian Wright

Peter Shilton refuses to forgive Diego Maradona for his infamous handball at the 1986 World Cup

Ian Wright says Diego Maradona is “still living rent free in a lot of Englishmen’s heads” after the way he knocked the Three Lions out of the 1986 World Cup.

Maradona, who died on Wednesday aged 60, scored two of his most famous goals against England in the quarter-finals, scoring one with his hand which was not spotted by the officials, before scoring perhaps the greatest goal in World Cup history four minutes later, dancing through most of the England team.

Some England players evidently still hold a grudge, including the goalkeeper beaten that day, Peter Shilton, who has refused to forgive the Argentine.  

Former England striker Wright told 5 Live: "Obviously he divides opinion, particularly Englishmen. When you look at some of the things people are saying, he's still living rent free in a lot of Englishmen's heads, 30-odd years after what's happened.

"For me, he was somebody that when I started watching football, of course there was Cruyff and Pele before him, who I lauded but had never seen do their thing. If we are going to be totally honest, no one from 86 to this point has come up with the goods like Maradona did in 86."

This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.