Ronnie O'Sullivan pays tribute to 'iconic' Diego Maradona after Argentina legend's death

After racing through his opening match at the UK Championship, Ronnie O'Sullivan reflected on the death of Argentina legend Diego Maradona. The Rocket compared Maradona to Muhammad Ali and Ayrton Senna, saying he "had the world in his hands" and was one of the greatest sportsmen of all time.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has paid tribute to Diego Maradona, saying the “iconic” Argentina legend "surpassed what was humanely possible".

Maradona died on Wednesday at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack in Buenos Aires. He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but was also known for his colourful life off the pitch.

O'Sullivan has also made headlines away from the table during his career and was full of praise for Maradona after his rapid opening-round win at the UK Championship.

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"He’s iconic,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport.

"Maradona, Muhammad Ali, Ayrton Senna, they left their mark on the world. They had the world in their hands. He was incredible. I have always said I would prefer a short and exciting life rather than a long and beige life. Maradona definitely had an exciting life.

"It wasn’t just the way he played, it was the passion and emotion, you just couldn’t help but get sucked into the energy he brought onto the football field, let alone the skill and the mesmeric way he did it."

O’Sullivan: Iconic Maradona had the world in his hands

Video credit: TNT Sports

O’Sullivan needed just over an hour to win his opening match at the UK Championship against amateur Leo Fernandez.

The Rocket says he feels sympathy for Fernandez, who had a few chances but couldn’t take any of them.

"I felt a bit sorry for Leo because coming here, like a lot of the lower-ranked players. It would be fair if they could play amongst themselves, get through a few rounds, build some confidence.

"I could have lost 6-5 as everybody knows Leo is a very good player, but he probably needs to get on a roll and get some confidence. It’s tough when you keep coming to tournaments and don’t win any matches."

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