FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
From glory with Napoli to the dark years of losing control of his life. The story of Pietro Pucone, the promising former striker of the "Azzurri" and close friend of Diego Armando Maradona, is one of those tales that includes triumph, rare friendship and deep personal challenges.
Pucone, part of the Napoli team that won the historic 1987 title, recalls today how quickly his sporting career took a turn.
" I quit football at the age of 27. Everyone said I had talent, but I couldn't manage it ," he says.
Initially, he continued to work as a scout, but then he lost his way and found himself facing serious addiction problems and personal difficulties, until he fell into a very difficult situation.
“ I was living on a bench and had no control over my life ,” he recalls. “ I got back up thanks to my family, friends and former teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t have seen the light .”
Five years after Maradona's death, Pucone recalls with strong emotions November 25, 2020: " I had just left the hospital when I heard the news on TV. I couldn't believe it. I cried like a child. For me, Diego was like a brother ."
Their friendship began in the youth ranks of Napoli. Pucone made his debut in 1982, while Maradona's arrival two years later changed the atmosphere at the club forever. " He called me Pedro. On the pitch he was a genius, off it a gentleman. The charity match in Acerra is the best example ."
It was Pucone himself who organized that famous match, to raise funds for a little boy's surgery. The rain, mud and rough pitch did not stop Maradona, who scored two spectacular goals. " He even gave me the captain's armband, " says Pucone.
Pucone also recounts memorable episodes from life off the pitch. Once, during a day off, the two took Maradona's Ferrari and drove to Rome. " We were driving at high speed when I saw the police behind us. I thought they were going to fine us. But no, they just wanted a photo with Diego ."
On another occasion, after a business trip, the two ran out of money for gas. Meanwhile, on a trip to the US for Maradona's wedding, they encountered an absurd problem: Diego's passport had expired. " His manager managed to contact a member of President Ronald Reagan's staff. With Diego, many impossible things became possible ."
Despite the turbulent years, their bond never faltered. Even when Pucone's life took a dark turn, Maradona knew his plight.
“ Before we parted, he said a sentence to me that I remember every day : ‘ Pietro, you have to save yourself .’ Those words helped me a lot. Even today, I feel that from up there he has not abandoned me .”
Today, Pucone lives a calmer and more stable life, thanks to the support of his family and friends. " Life taught me very strong lessons. I made mistakes, but I managed to get back up again ."
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