Hand of God: The Life of Diego Maradona - Hardcover

Burns' brilliant insight into the life of arguably the game's greatest-ever talent is a daring and painstakingly researched piece of journalism that transcends being categorised as a sports book just as Maradona himself was more than simply a gifted footballer. The author's intention was not merely to further eulogise the man's genius on the field but to explore the entire Maradona phenomenon. Burns entered into the murky world which the Argentinian had allowed to be built around him. At some risk to himself he investigated the parasitic influences that accompanied Maradona through his successes and that were complicit in the player's fall from grace. The tale is of course punctuated with acknowledgement of the exquisite skills, the power and courage that demanded hysterical affection wherever he played and led England's World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey to rate Maradona as more accomplished even than Pelé. That accolade came after the goal--against England in Mexico '86--to which the title owes its existence. Brimming with background information about the young Diego and peppered with all the incident and colour that was to follow in Barcelona and Naples, Burns' offering is an essential read. --Jamie Foulerton

"The seamy backstairs of international soccer have never been more tellingly exposed."--"Financial Times "