The statue of Maradona, in the eye of the storm (REUTERS / Ciro De Luca)

In November 2021, on the esplanade of the Stade de la Naples which today bears the name of Diego Maradona, a statue was unveiled in honor of the star which has become a big attraction for fans and tourists. We see Pelusa, who died in November 2020, carrying the ball with his right boot, on a huge pedestal. Well, said artwork has been surprisingly removed and returned to the artist who created it, Dominique Sepéproud fan of the southern Italian cast.

The determination caused fans to be shocked and curious. As published The Gazzetta dello Sportthe decision, which was taken by the city council, is linked to a bureaucratic problem: cannot accept a donation from Sepe because the value of the work exceeds the economic possibilities of the artist.

Another reason has to do with the “principle of partiality”, that is, the honor of honoring Maradona with a work in such a privileged place as the one who obtained this statue (which was in the east wing of the stadium, on Via Giambattista Marino) could represent the dream of other sculptors.

Sepe and his statue (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)
Sepe and his statue (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)

Two peculiarities drew attention to other recognition Maradona received after his death: Sepe’s statue had the legend “D10s” imprinted on the base of the pedestal. And, as already mentioned, the Argentine star who was the world champion in Mexico 86 carried the ball with his right boot, his less skilful profile. Beyond this setback, in Italy it is assured that the artist will bring the withdrawal of his work to justice, so that it can be returned to the place where the fans have even left floral offerings or gifts in memory of the legend of Albiceleste.

The enormous pedestal on which he was mounted, with the caption "D10" (REUTERS/Ciro DeLuca)
The huge plinth it was mounted on, with the caption “D10s” (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)

The particular vaudeville takes place at a dreamy time for Naples, which Maradona would surely have wanted to witness. The team managed by Luciano Spalletti are the undisputed leaders of Serie A, with 15 points ahead of Inter, their back. Moreover, they are in the Champions League Round of 16, a case where they beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the first leg. The rematch is scheduled for March 15. Will the good star of the team change without the statue as the guardian of the high level that it exhibits, with the Georgian Jvicha Kvarastskhelia and the Nigerian Victor Osimhen as figures?

Continue reading:

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