@FootynewsThe dynamic between Enzo Francescoli and Diego Maradona was strictly rivalry, not teammateship. Francescoli confirms he never played alongside the legend in Argentina or at Boca. Despite that intense competition, Maradona maintained a level of respect that kept him from ever making jokes about the River - Boca split. Everyone acknowledges what Maradona was on the pitch, a monster, but the off-field context matters too. Francescoli recalls a specific era where Uruguayan players abroad faced serious questioning back home about repatriation. During that time, Maradona attended a qualifier match with his family and publicly supported them at a press conference. He went out of his way to back them up even though those gestures weren't necessary. Those actions are exactly why their relationship ended up being so strong. #DiegoMaradona #Football

@FootynewsThe dynamic between Enzo Francescoli and Diego Maradona was strictly rivalry, not teammateship. Francescoli confirms he never played alongside the legend in Argentina or at Boca. Despite that intense competition, Maradona maintained a level of respect that kept him from ever making jokes about the River - Boca split. Everyone acknowledges what Maradona was on the pitch, a monster, but the off-field context matters too. Francescoli recalls a specific era where Uruguayan players abroad faced serious questioning back home about repatriation. During that time, Maradona attended a qualifier match with his family and publicly supported them at a press conference. He went out of his way to back them up even though those gestures weren't necessary. Those actions are exactly why their relationship ended up being so strong. #DiegoMaradona #Football