Maradona autographs shirt to help poor during pandemic

Diego Maradona has lent a hand in the fight against the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in his hometown by autographing an Albiceleste national team jersey for a raffle.

The sale raised money for an underprivileged area on the outskirts of Buenos Aires affected by quarantine rules.

"We're going to get through it," Maradona wrote on the jersey, a replica of the one he wore when he led his country to victory in the 1986 World Cup. 

It will be raffled among those who donate food for people at a working class neighbourhood called René Favaloro, called after the Argentine cardiac surgeon.

The Albiceleste was first offered at auction, but is being raffled to those who have given donations in an initiative that has collected hygiene products, masks and around 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds) of food for charity. 

"Diego can't even imagine what he has done for us, it's priceless. I'll be grateful to him until the day I die," said local resident Marta Gutierrez. 

In addition to the pandemic, Argentina is facing a serious economic crisis and is in laborious negotiations on debt restructuring with creditors. 

– TIMES/AFP