this development is far from surprising IMO.
I always had the impression Maradona couldn't handle his fame and all the side effects it brought. After growing up in poverty, he seemed to be overwhelmed by his sudden wealth and glory.
And he was a cheater. Not only the Hand of God, I remember well him trying to take influence on the referee in 1989's UEFA-cup final against Stuttgart until his team was gifted a penalty. And he was like that in any match. Anyone remember Argentina playing Brasil in World Cup 1982? He was sent off after kicking a Brasil player into the stomach.
So while I do pity for this poor soul I still think that his genius was at least partly devaluated by his often unsportsmanlike behaviour.


I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
(Terry Pratchett)