This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Gabriel Batistuta, former Argentine forward, made striking revelations about the death of Diego Armando Maradona, expressing a deep sense of guilt for not having done more to help his compatriot. The statements came during an interview on the podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, hosted by the former English footballer. "It's a shame because he was a great person and died alone. No one was with him. He died like a dog," lamented Batistuta, visibly emotional. The former striker, who shared the Argentine national team's attack with Maradona in 10 matches, feels that he could have taken a more active role. "We didn't do much to protect him. It's something I don't like to think about. I blame myself for that because I could have helped him… If you care about someone, you have to help them when they need it. Why not? Even when they are difficult to deal with," he added. In the conversation, Batistuta recalled his relationship with El Pibe. "For me, Diego was a great person, with his problems, but he was a great person. It's something I can't explain. I always tried to tell him the truth, even though he was 10 years older than me. Maybe that's why he respected me," he stated. The former Fiorentina player and Serie A figure also addressed the public perception of idols like Maradona, warning about the fragility behind the image of strength. "He gave us everything, incredible moments. I hope the same doesn't happen to Messi… When they are at the top, we don't see that they have problems. We think everything is fine, that they have everything. They don't cry… They seem like superheroes, but they are human," he reflected. When asked about the eternal comparison between the two greatest icons of Argentine football, Batistuta was clear in his preference. "They are different. Messi scored 1000 goals and Maradona 200. Messi is calm and Maradona was not. For me, Maradona is the best. He could play, deal with referees, with opponents. He did incredible things. Messi can do it too, but he doesn't have the same charisma," he analyzed. At the end of the interview, describing himself as a scorer "born and not learned," Batistuta selected his dream team of five players he played with, including Fernando Redondo, Cafu, Francesco Totti, Claudio Caniggia, and inevitably, Diego Maradona.
Gabriel Batistuta Diego Armando Maradona remains central to this story.
Gabriel Batistuta Diego Armando Maradona remains central to this story.
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