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When Diego Maradona Played For Spurs At White Hart Lane Wearing Borrowed Boots

Diego Maradona once played for Spurs in front of 30,000 fans at White Hart Lane -- and had to borrow Clive Allen's six-and-a-half size boots for the occasion.
The diminutive Argentinian, who sadly passed away on Wednesday afternoon after a cardiac arrest, aged 60, wore the famous white for Ossie Ardiles' testimonial in 1986.
Maradona, a great friend of the former Tottenham midfielder, played alongside the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle that night, but it was the World Cup winner that blew everyone away.
And he did so wearing a pair of Clive Allen's borrowed boots on his feet.
Allen recalled the occasion in an interview with talkSPORT.
"Ossie says: 'Who takes [size] six and a half?'" he said.
"I tell him I do and that I had two pairs of boots; one old pair I'd worn all season and a new pair I was breaking in, so I said: 'Diego, be my guest and take whatever pair you want!'
"I've never played in a game where I felt like a spectator because, on the night, Diego and Glenn were just on another planet. They were telepathic, and you just wanted them to have the ball. Some of the flicks and skills were incredible."
@talkSPORTDrive Just found that 'Maradona' clip my fellow Spurs fan was just talking about. Such a privilege to be there Ade. A very special night @osvaldooardiles #coys:blue_heart: pic.twitter.com/FuPIvvbkC0
- :blue_heart: Allison Jane Smith :blue_heart: (@AllisonJaneSmi2) November 25, 2020
Glenn Hoddle was another player blown away by Maradona's presence on Ardiles' special day.
"The sheer magnetism of Maradona lifted the whole atmosphere." Hoddle told Spurs' official website.
"A staggering 30,000-plus crowd turned up for the match, and the kick-off had to be delayed for 15 minutes to allow all the thousands of fans in.
"Maradona and Ossie entered the stadium after the two teams to thunderous applause. It was clear the public were enthralled to have the chance to see a player of Maradona's special skills, and he didn't disappoint them.
"Of course he did not extend himself to the full, but I am a player whose philosophy is built around skilful football and I could not but admire this stocky little genius."
Very sad day and a true footballing great. I was very lucky to share the pitch and play with him and not so lucky to play against him, one of the very best. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. :pray:#RIPDiego pic.twitter.com/BgcdLltI5u
- Glenn Hoddle (@GlennHoddle) November 25, 2020
Chris Waddle, another former Spurs player to star in the testimonial, said he "had never seen a better footballer" than Maradona.
"I've never seen a better footballer. Never. He was by far the best player I've ever played with.
"In the game he did a couple of nice runs and a bicycle kick; he was quite quiet, but when you had the ball you knew you could give it to him and there wouldn't be any problems. His touch was amazing and he was so strong.
"His change of pace and change of direction were incredible."
RIP Maradona. One of the greatest footballers of all time. I was lucky enough to see him play at White Hart Lane many years ago and he was breathtaking @spursofficial RIP
•
•#maradona #handofgod #legend pic.twitter.com/GWAhhPj8tZ
- Steve Holley (@coolhandfluke65) November 25, 2020
Ossie Ardiles paid tribute to his great friend Maradona on Twitter shortly after his passing.
"Dieguito. Inside the football pitch, he was always so so happy." Ardiles wrote.
"Playing, he was out of this world. Outside the pitch, he was magical as well. So so funny. Being with him you know that special things would happen. I will miss you my friend."
Dieguito. Inside the football pitch, he was always so so happy. Playing, he was out of this world. Outside the pitch, he was magical as well. So so funny. Being with him you know that special things would happen. I will miss you my friend... pic.twitter.com/2uA4dZLK7s
- osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) November 25, 2020
Rest in peace, Diego.
Featured Image Credit: Tottenham Hotspur/YouTube
Topics: Spurs, Football News, Football, Diego Maradona, Legends, tottenham