TheCable

Hugo, the younger brother of Diego Maradona, late Argentine football legend, has passed away at 52.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hugo was found dead at his home near Naples in Italy after he suffered a cardiac arrest like his elder brother did last year.

“The death occurred from cardiac arrest in his residence in Monte di Procida, in the province of Naples,” it added.

Diego, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died at the age of 60 in November 2020 due to a cardiac arrest.

Until his death, Hugo, who was also a professional footballer, played for Ascoli in Italy, Spain’s Rayo Vallecano, and Raid Vienna in Austria.

He also had playing spells in Venezuela, Uruguay, Japan, and Canada.

Hugo joined Diego at Napoli in 1987 at 18.

“The thoughts of Club President Aurelio De Laurentiis, Vice President Edoardo De Laurentiis, officials, coaching staff, the players and the whole SSC Napoli family are with the Maradona family after the sad passing of Hugo,” Napoli wrote in its tribute to the deceased.

The club mourns the passing of Hugo Maradonahttps://t.co/XCVNib2AQv

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 28, 2021

Hugo had surgery in 2018 following a heart condition and was believed to have been in good health having announced earlier this year that he intended to stand for elected office in Naples.

He was the manager of Puerto Rico Islanders, a North American soccer league team, between 2004 and 2005.

The former Argentina youth international left behind three children.